Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management

Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a rare hematologic malignancy characterized by an IgM-associated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Often, it is associated with an indolent disease course, and many patients are candidates for careful monitoring. As many patients present with advanced age and nonspecific constitutional symptoms, careful consideration should be given to treatment decisions, including when and how to treat for maximized clinical benefit with minimal toxicity. This article provides an evidence-based practical approach to appropriate monitoring of the asymptomatic patient and management of symptomatic patients who require treatment for this rare malignancy.