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Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom - Treatment

Alternative Names

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; Macroglobulinemia - primary; Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma

Treatment:

Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) removes unwanted substances from the blood. In macroglobulinemia, it removes or reduces the high level of IgM, and is used to quickly control the symptoms caused by blood thickening.

Drug therapy may include steroids, Leukeran, Alkeran, Cytoxan, fludarabine, or rituximab, or combinations of chemotherapy drugs.

Patients who have a low number of red or white blood cells or platelets may need transfusions or antibiotics.

Expectations (prognosis):

The average survival is about 5 years. In some people, the disorder may produce few symptoms and progress slowly.

Complications:

Changes in mental function, possibly leading to coma
Congestive heart failure
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Vision problems

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.

Waldenstroms

Antibodies

Reviewed last on: 4/8/2008
Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Ferri FF. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006:909.

Rajkumar SV, Kyle RA. Plasma Cell Disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 198.

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