Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom

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Antibodies

Waldenstroms

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; Macroglobulinemia - primary;

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma

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.

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

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

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

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

Review Date: 09/20/2006
Reviewed By: Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, FRCP(C), Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.