Waldenström macroglobulinemia at 70

Over the last seven decades, Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) has changed from a clinical observation by an astute clinician to an uncommon, but well-defined clinical–pathologic entity. Similarly, therapeutic advances have evolved and now parallel our increasing understanding of the biology of WM. Very recently, the discovery of a highly prevalent somatic gene mutation has provided new understanding that challenges us to further individualize management of this disease. This article is intended to chronicle the 70-year development of our knowledge, treatment options and limitations that bring us to our current approach to WM, as well as the challenge for international collaboration in order to enable us to develop the most efficient path to optimal patient care.

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