Waldenström macroglobulinemia

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), also called lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, is a rare type of slow-growing blood cancer. It starts in white blood cells called B-cells, which normally help fight infections. In WM, these cells become abnormal and multiply out of control in the bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. These abnormal cells produce a large amount of a protein called IgM (immunoglobulin M), sometimes called a 'macroglobulin.' When too much IgM builds up in the blood, it can make the blood thicker than normal, a condition called hyperviscosity syndrome. Common symptoms include extreme tiredness, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes. The thick blood can cause headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, and even bleeding from the nose or gums. Some people develop numbness or tingling in their hands and feet because the IgM protein can damage nerves. Anemia — a low red blood cell count — is also very common and contributes to fatigue. Many people with WM are watched closely without treatment at first, a strategy called 'watchful waiting.' When treatment is needed, doctors use chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy. Key FDA-approved and commonly used treatments include ibrutinib (Imbruvica), rituximab, bendamustine, and zanubrutinib (Brukinsa). WM is generally not curable with standard treatments, but many people live for many years with good quality of life when the disease is well managed.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.Do I need to start treatment now, or is watchful waiting appropriate for me?,What are my MYD88 and CXCR4 mutation results, and how do they affect my treatment options?,Which treatment do you recommend for me, and what are the main side effects I should expect?,How will we know if the treatment is working, and what happens if it stops working?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?,How often will I need blood tests and check-ups, and what symptoms should prompt me to call you right away?,Are any of my family members at higher risk, and should they be tested or monitored?

Common questions about Waldenström macroglobulinemia

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

• Marginal zone lymphoma→
• Multiple myeloma→