Malignant hematology is the field of medicine that treats cancers of the blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes, such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

The Nebraska Medicine | Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is a national leader in this type of care, offering patients access to treatments rarely available elsewhere and delivering them at some of the highest volumes in the region.

“Malignant hematology is essentially cancer of the immune system, which lives in your blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes,” explains Nebraska Medicine hematology specialist Matthew Lunning, DO, FACP. “I often use the analogy of a subway system. In a healthy immune system, blood cells can travel smoothly. With cancer, they get stuck in certain places, causing blockages that disrupt the entire system.”

Pioneering treatments that change lives

The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is a recognized leader in cellular therapies such as stem cell transplants, bone marrow transplants and CAR T-cell therapy, treatments that harness the body’s own cells to fight cancer.

“We provide every type of stem cell transplant, and we have every commercially available CAR T-cell product. That’s unique. Not many organizations can say the same,” says Kim Schmit-Pokorny, RN, MSN, OCN, BMTCN, director of Nebraska Medicine’s Blood and Marrow Transplant, CAR T and Cellular Therapy Program.

In fiscal year 2025 alone, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center treated more than 240 patients with bone marrow transplants or CAR T-cell therapy. Each case adds to the team’s expertise, improving readiness and results for future patients.

“When you treat a high volume of patients, you gain the experience to manage even the most complex cases,” Schmit-Pokorny says. “That expertise translates into better outcomes and greater peace of mind for patients and families.”

Dr. Lunning emphasizes that timeliness and expertise are critical, especially with aggressive diseases like acute leukemia and lymphoma.

“Every hour matters,” he says. 

“We do this all the time, not just some of the time, and that can make all the difference. Our consistency and volume set us apart. Patients get access to advanced treatments and therapies because of the expertise we’ve developed over decades.”

-Matthew Lunning, DO, FACP, hematology specialist

Leading the way in CAR T-cell therapy

One of the most significant advances is CAR T-cell therapy. In this groundbreaking treatment, a patient’s own T cells (a type of immune cell) are collected, genetically modified to attack their cancer and then infused back into their body.

Nebraska Medicine and its academic partner, UNMC, helped pioneer the studies that led to FDA approval of CAR T-cell therapy, making this innovative treatment available nationwide.

Today, that same research continues to influence clinical practice across the country, giving patients access to therapies that were once only available through clinical trials.

“Once FDA approval happens, it means these therapies become available to more people across the country, and that ultimately helps save more lives,” Schmit-Pokorny says.

First CAR T outpatient in Nebraska

Another milestone occurred when Kathy Folk became the first CAR T-cell therapy outpatient in Nebraska. Instead of being admitted for a long hospital stay, Folk received her treatment in the outpatient infusion center and then recovered at home. This approach reflects Nebraska Medicine’s commitment to both innovation and patient-centered care.

“Many patients can now receive treatment in our outpatient infusion center and then recover in their own homes,” Schmit-Pokorny says. “For those who do require hospitalization, our team helps them return home as quickly as possible so they can get back to the things that matter most.”

Why collaborative care matters

Treating blood cancer is complex and requires teamwork. Nebraska Medicine’s malignant hematology specialists work alongside advanced practice providers (APRNs and PAs), transplant experts, oncology nurses, pharmacists and researchers to deliver seamless, individualized care.

“It takes a village, across multiple disciplines and institutions,” Schmit-Pokorny says. “Everyone plays an important role, from the pharmacists and data specialists to the doctors, advanced practice providers and nurse case managers. That’s how we expand access and help patients achieve better outcomes.”

Looking ahead

As research continues to evolve, Nebraska Medicine remains committed to pioneering therapies and expanding access for blood cancer patients across the Midwest and beyond.

“My biggest passion is making sure every patient who could benefit from these therapies has access,” Dr. Lunning says. “That means not only delivering advanced treatments here, but also helping patients return to their homes and communities as quickly as possible. It’s a two-pronged mission: access to care and getting patients back to living their lives, safely and efficiently.”