Waldenstrom MacroglobulinemiaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a cancer of the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). WM is associated with the overproduction of proteins called IgM antibodies.
Waldenström macroglobulinemia; Macroglobulinemia - primary; Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma; Monoclonal macroglobulinemia; Waldenström macroglobulinemia
WM is a result of a condition called lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. This is a cancer of the white blood cells, in which the B immune cells start dividing rapidly. The exact cause of too much production of the IgM antibody is unknown. Hepatitis C may increase the risk of WM. Gene mutations are often found in the malignant B cells.
Production of excess IgM antibodies can cause several types of problems:
- Hyperviscosity, which causes the blood to become too thick. This can make it harder for blood to flow through small blood vessels.
- Neuropathy, or nerve damage, when the IgM antibody damages nerve tissue.
- Anemia, when the IgM antibody binds to red blood cells and damages them.
- Kidney disease, when the IgM antibody deposits in kidney tissue.
- Cryoglobulinemia and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) when the IgM antibody forms immune complexes with cold exposure.
WM is very rare. Most people with this condition are over 65 years of age.
Symptoms of WM may include any of the following:
- Bleeding of the gums and nosebleeds
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Bluish skin in the fingers after cold exposure
- Dizziness or confusion
- Easy bruising of the skin
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the hands, feet, fingers, toes, ears, or nose
- Rash
- Swollen glands
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vision loss in one eye
Some people with WM who have increased IgM antibodies do not have symptoms. This condition is known as smoldering WM. No treatment is needed other than careful follow-up.
In people with symptoms, treatment aims at decreasing the symptoms and the risk of developing organ damage. There is no current standard treatment. Your health care provider may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial.
Plasmapheresis removes IgM antibodies from the blood. It also controls the symptoms caused by blood thickening.
Medicines may include corticosteroids, a combination of chemotherapy medicines and the monoclonal antibody to B cells, rituximab.
Autologous stem cell transplant may be recommended for some people with otherwise good health.
People who have a low number of red or white blood cells or platelets may need transfusions or antibiotics.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Bing Center For Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia
Shayna Sarosiek is an Oncologist practicing medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Sarosiek is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. She is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, Primary Amyloidosis, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Sarosiek is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology.
Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic
Syed Abutalib is a Hematologist practicing medicine in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Abutalib is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM), Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Bone Marrow Transplant. Dr. Abutalib is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology.
MN - Cancer Transplant
Prashant Kapoor is a Hematologist and an Oncologist practicing medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Kapoor is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Multiple Myeloma, Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, Primary Amyloidosis, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), and Bone Marrow Transplant.
The average survival is about 5 years. Some people live more than 10 years.
In some people, the disorder may produce few symptoms and progress slowly.
Complications of WM may include:
- Changes in mental function, possibly leading to coma
- Heart failure
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or malabsorption
- Vision problems
- Hives
Contact your provider if symptoms of WM develop.
Eligibility: * Diagnosis of CLL/SLL and on treatment/previously treated/nearing treatment * Diagnosis of LPL/WM * As of February 5, 2025, patients with MBL and SMZL will no longer be enrolled. * Age greater than or equal to 18 years. * ECOG performance status of 0-2. Design Patients are typically followed every 6 to 24 months in the clinic and have blood drawn. Patients may be asked to undergo additional testi...
Summary: Study consists of two main parts to explore BGB-16673 recommended dosing, a Phase 1 monotherapy dose finding comprised of monotherapy dose escalation and monotherapy safety expansion of selected doses, and a Phase 2 (expansion cohorts)
Published Date: May 09, 2024
Published By: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Castillo JJ, Treon SP. Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 92.
Kapoor P, Ansell SM, Fonseca R, et al. Diagnosis and management of Waldenström macroglobulinemia: Mayo stratification of macroglobulinemia and risk-adapted therapy (mSMART) guidelines 2016. JAMA Oncol. 2017;3(9):1257-1265. PMID: 28056114 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28056114/.
Rajkumar SV. Plasma cell disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 173.