Blood Disorders  Article Reprint

Original Article: http://www.about-blood-disorders.com/articles/plasma-cell-disorders/waldenstroms-macroglobulinemia.php

 

Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia and IgM Antibodies

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is a rare cancer of the B lymphocytes. Abnormal B lymphocytes overproduce IgM antibodies, which results in a number of complications such as increased risk of infection and hyperviscosity (thickening) of the blood.
 
Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia…
is named after the Swedish doctor, Jan Waldenstrom, who first recognized this disease in 1944. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The exact statistics are not known, but medical scientists believe that approximately 1,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with the disease every year.

Causes of Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia
The exact cause of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is unknown. Recently, though, researchers have found evidence that changes in the DNA may be a possible cause. Some of the changes seen in people with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia include:
  • loss of a part of chromosome 6
  • abnormal translocations
  • changes due to radiation or chemicals.
The following risk factors are known to increase one's chance of developing Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia:
  • age: Most cases occur in people over the age of 50.
  • gender: Males are at higher risk than females.
  • ethnicity: Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is more common in Caucasians.
  • heredity: People with relatives who have Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia or another type of lymphoma are at a higher risk.

Symptoms of Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

Early stages of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia have few, if any, symptoms. Most symptoms don't appear until the disease has become fairly advanced and, even then, symptoms vary from person to person. Some of the more common symptoms of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia include:
  • weakness
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • nausea
  • visual problems
  • dizziness
  • swollen/enlarged lymph nodes
  • swollen abdomen due to an enlarged spleen
  • easy bruising
  • nervous system problems—most often numbness or tingling of the hands, feet or fingers.

Complications of Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

In people with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, the large number of IgM antibodies causes a number of complications, especially hyperviscosity.

The IgM antibodies are relatively large molecules, and when the blood has such a large number, it thickens and causes circulation problems and nervous system problems. The large number of IgM antibodies also crowds out red blood cells, platelets and other white blood cells, which may result in anemia and a weakened immune system.

Some people with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia also experience a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's phenomenon is a result of poor circulation. In some cases, the blood vessels tighten, slowing the blood. If a large number of IgM antibodies are present, circulation to certain parts of the body may be cut off.
 
Prognosis
The average survival rate for people diagnosed with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is seven to nine years. Survival is dependent on how advanced the disease is at diagnosis and how rapidly it is advancing. Some patients may live for 25 years or more.

Treating Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

Since Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is such a rare disease, not much research has been conducted on effective treatment methods. No cure currently exists. Treatments are designed to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

One of the primary treatment options is a process called plasmapheresis. In this process, the blood is drawn from the veins and the plasma is separated from the blood cells. The blood cells are combined with substitute plasma and given back to the patient, while the original plasma is discarded. This effectively thins the blood and prevents symptoms that result from hyperviscosity.

Chemotherapy and blood transfusions may also be used to thin the blood. If the disease is aggressive, the doctor may recommend a stem cell transplant.

Resources

American Cancer Society. (updated 2005). Detailed guide: Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

HealthCentral. (2005). Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation. (nd). What is Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM)?

National Cancer Institute. (updated 2002). Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

National Library of Medicine. (updated 2004). Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.