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:
WM is very rare. Most people with this condition are over 65 years of age.
Symptoms of WM may include any of the following:
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.
Tanya Siddiqi is a Hematologist and a Hematologist Oncology expert in Newport Beach, California. Siddiqi has been practicing medicine for over 23 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. She is also highly rated in 43 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CBCL), Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. She is licensed to treat patients in California.
Robert Orlowski is an Oncologist and a Hematologist Oncology expert in Houston, Texas. Orlowski has been practicing medicine for over 32 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Plasmacytoma, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. He is licensed to treat patients in Texas. Orlowski is currently accepting new patients.
Irene Ghobrial is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Ghobrial has been practicing medicine for over 28 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. She is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), Multiple Myeloma, and Bone Marrow Transplant. She is licensed to treat patients in Massachusetts. Ghobrial is currently accepting new patients.
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:
Contact your provider if symptoms of WM develop.
Summary: The purpose of this study is to find out whether the study drug, LOXO-338, is safe and effective in patients with advanced blood cancer. Patients must have already received standard therapy. The study may last up to approximately 3 years.
Background: The development of new technologies now allow scientists to investigate the molecular basis and clinical manifestations of monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL)/Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), and splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL). Applying these methods in a natural history study can clar...
Published Date: April 19, 2022
Published By: Diane M. Horowitz, MD, Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY. 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.
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, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 178.
Treon SP, Castillo JJ, Hunter ZR, Merlini G. Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 87.