Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinaemia



Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia (WM) or lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is a type of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – It is a type of cancer that does not result in the production of Reed-Sternberg cells.

It originates in B lymphocytes – the cells that respond to infection by becoming plasma cells (which produce antibodies) or becoming B memory cells (in case of a secondary attack by the same pathogen). The cancer cells have features of both plasma cells and lymphocytes and are called lymphoplasmacytoid cells. The antibodies produced by WM cells lead to a number of the symptoms, including excess bleeding, problems with vision and nervous system problems.

The cancer itself spreads though the bone marrow, preventing blood stem cells from becoming blood cells essentially by taking up space – this can lead to a variety of problems, including anaemia, neutropenia (immunodeficiency) and thrombocytopenia. The lymphoma cells can also grow in organs such as the liver or spleen causing these organs to swell and in some cases lose function.

Symptoms of Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia:
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Night sweats
  •   Frequent or persistent infections (as a result of immunodeficiency)

The 5 year survival rate for WM is currently around 78%, with most patients being diagnosed in their mid-60s. Due to the nature of the disease, patients may not need any treatment for months or even years, but most will have check-ups every 3-6 months to track the progress of the disease. Treatment includes chemotherapy (usually by intravenous injection) using chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide amongst other drugs.

I hope you found this engaging and interesting.
By Louis Lane.

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