Diamond Anniversary of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: 75 Years of Transforming Lives

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society marked its 75 Years Anniversary

Since its founding in 1949, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has been at the forefront of the fight against blood cancers.

What began as a small, family-driven initiative has grown into a global leader in cancer research, patient support, and advocacy.

Over the past 75 years, LLS has spearheaded groundbreaking advancements in treatments, reshaped policies to make care more accessible, and provided unwavering support to millions of patients and their families.

Photo taken from lls.org

From pioneering the first successful bone marrow transplant to driving the approval of revolutionary CAR-T cell therapies, LLS has been a catalyst for progress.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: 75 Years of Progress

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was founded in 1949 by the de Villiers family after losing their 16-year-old son to leukemia in 1944. This marked the beginning of a dedicated effort to combat blood cancers and support patients.

Photo taken from lls.org

Dr. James Holland, a pioneering researcher, received one of LLS’s first grants in 1955. His groundbreaking work contributed to establishing a standard of care for children with leukemia, significantly improving survival rates.

In 1956 a child with leukemia received the first successful bone marrow transplant, with his identical twin serving as the donor.

LLS launched its first patient-aid program in 1968, providing financial assistance for medications, lab fees, and travel costs, ensuring that blood cancer patients could access essential care.

During 1988-1999 LLS introduced five innovative fundraising campaigns, including The Leukemia Cup Regatta(1988), Team In Training(1988), Man & Woman of the Year, Pennies for Patients, and Light The Night. These campaigns revolutionized the way nonprofits raised funds for cancer research and patient support.

In 1997 LLS funding contributed to the development of the first therapeutic antibody for cancer, Rituximab, a groundbreaking treatment that continues to impact patients today.

A treatment developed with LLS funding support was approved in 2001, marking the beginning of the targeted therapy revolution in cancer care.

In 2007, LLS introduced co-pay assistance programs to help patients afford prescriptions and launched the Therapy Acceleration Program® to speed up drug development.

In 2016 the FDA approved an oral, chemo-free treatment option for people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). LLS supported over $15 million in related research.

Over its 75-year history, LLS has led the fight against blood cancers through groundbreaking research, innovative fundraising, and dedicated patient support programs.

From advancing bone marrow transplants to driving the development of targeted therapies, LLS remains a leader in improving outcomes and offering hope to patients and families worldwide.

The FDA approved a record-breaking 40 blood cancer treatments during 2017-2018, with 35 of them advanced through LLS funding.

Among these were the first two chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) and Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel), a revolutionary approach that marked the beginning of a new era in cancer care. Since then, 15 additional CAR-T therapies have been approved.

In 2019 LLS launched the Children’s Initiative, later renamed The Dare to Dream Project. This effort included the groundbreaking PedAL (Pediatric Acute Leukemia) trial, the first global master clinical trial focused on advancing care for children with acute leukemia.

In 2020 LLS demonstrated significant progress in improving survival outcomes. Patients enrolled in LLS’s Beat AML Master Clinical Trial experienced markedly longer survival compared to those receiving standard care, showcasing the transformative impact of innovative trial designs.

Through the 2000s, LLS continued its mission to improve blood cancer care, driving breakthroughs in treatment, focusing on pediatric advancements, and improving survival outcomes for patients worldwide.

Recent Milestones

After years of persistent advocacy by LLS staff and supporters, in 2022 the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. This legislation brought significant reductions in drug costs for millions of seniors on Medicare Part D, providing substantial relief to blood cancer patients who rely on expensive treatments.

In 2024 Five additional CAR-T therapies received FDA approval, expanding access to this groundbreaking immunotherapy for more blood cancer patients.

Notably, for the first time, CAR-T therapy became available to patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), marking a significant step forward in personalized cancer care.

LLS continues to drive progress, advocating for policy changes and expanding treatment options to improve the lives of blood cancer patients across the globe.