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.
City Of Hope Medical Foundation
Tanya Siddiqi is a Hematologist and a Hematologist Oncology provider in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Siddiqi and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CBCL), Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Bone Marrow Transplant.
MD Anderson
Robert Orlowski is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Houston, Texas. Dr. Orlowski and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. His top areas of expertise are Multiple Myeloma, Plasmacytoma, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc.
Shayna Sarosiek is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Sarosiek has been practicing medicine for over 16 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. Her top areas of expertise are Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, Primary Amyloidosis, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), Bone Marrow Transplant, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Sarosiek 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:
- 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.
Background: People with B cell malignancies (blood cancers) often cannot mount a full immune response to infections or certain vaccines. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis), which are used to treat blood cancers, may also negatively affect a person s response to certain vaccines. Researchers want to learn more about vaccine responses in people with certain types of blood cancers. The findings may help d...
Summary: This phase II trial studies the effects of venetoclax and rituximab in comparison to ibrutinib and rituximab in treating patients with previously untreated Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Ibrutinib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody. It binds to a protein called CD20, which is fo...
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.