Waldenström's macroglobulinemia medical therapy

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Medical Therapy

There are several different options for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia.[1]

Watchful Waiting

Patients who do not have symptoms and whose cancer does not seem to be progressing often do not need treatment.

Plasmapheresis

  • Plasmapheresis is recommended in patients with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia who develop hyperviscosity symptoms.
  • Plasmapheresis temporarily lowers IgM levels by removing some of the abnormal IgM from the blood, which makes the blood thinner.
  • However, plasmapheresis does not affect the lymphoma cells.
  • Plasmapheresis is usually given until chemotherapy starts to work.
  • Plasmapheresis is combined with chemotherapy to control the disease for a longer period of time.

Chemotherapy

  • Patients with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia who symptomatic are started on chemotherapy.
  • Drgus:
    • chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide, with or without prednisone
    • fludarabine or cladribine

References

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