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Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom - Treatment

Alternative Names

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; Macroglobulinemia - primary; Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma

Treatment:

Plasmapheresis 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 6.5 years. Some people live more than 10 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: 4/30/2010
Todd Gersten, M.D., Hematology/Oncology, Palm Beach Cancer Institute, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Treon SP, Hatjiharissi E, Leleu X, Roccaro A, Merlini G. Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia/Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 88.

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

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