Richter's Syndrome, also called Richter's transformation, is the cancer that took Wendy Ramsey. It is rare, it is aggressive, and it has far fewer treatment options than most blood cancers. That is why The Wendy Fund exists. Here is a short, plain-language explanation of what it is and why research matters.

What happens in Richter's Syndrome

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common adult leukemias, and for many people it grows slowly over years. In a small share of people with CLL, the disease suddenly changes into a much faster-growing lymphoma. Most often the new cancer is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Less often it is Hodgkin lymphoma. This change is called Richter's Syndrome, after the doctor who first described it.

It develops in roughly 2 to 10 percent of people with CLL, and it can happen at any point after a CLL diagnosis.

Signs doctors watch for

Because the transformation is fast, the warning signs often appear quickly. They can include lymph nodes that grow rapidly, unexplained fevers, drenching night sweats, weight loss and a sudden decline in how a person feels. Anyone with CLL who notices changes like these should talk to their care team right away.

Why research matters

Compared with CLL itself, Richter's Syndrome has historically been much harder to treat, and outcomes have been poor. Researchers are testing new approaches, including adding targeted drugs to chemotherapy, immunotherapies and cellular therapies, and stem cell transplant for some patients. Each of those advances starts with funded research and clinical trials.

The Wendy Fund directs the money it raises, including every Climb for the Cure registration, to research into Richter's Syndrome and related blood cancers led by Dr. Matthew Davids and his team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Where to learn more

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: patient information and appointments with the CLL and lymphoma team
• CLL Society: patient education, support groups and research news
• HealthUnlocked: online communities for people living with CLL and their families

This overview is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please talk with a physician about any diagnosis or treatment decision.

‍