Why Waldenström macroglobulinemia is not just another indolent lymphoma

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is an uncommon B-cell malignancy arising from B cells that are arrested after somatic hypermutation in the germinal center and before terminal differentiation to plasma cells [1]. It is characterized by IgM monoclonal gammopathy and bone marrow involvement by a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma clone.  WM accounts for approximately 5% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, although recent data suggest its incidence is declining [2,3]. WM, considered an incurable disease in most cases, is an indolent lymphoma with a median age at diagnosis of 65 years and median survival of 5–10 years [4].

Click here to view full article.