Biomarkers of Progression and Risk Stratification in Asymptomatic Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Waldenström macroglobulinemia is an indolent IgM-secreting B-cell lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma that is preceded by an asymptomatic stage. Clinical and molecular features have been used in risk models to predict progression rates in different asymptomatic subgroups. Risk models used both disease-specific and nonspecific biomarkers for asymptomatic patients. Recently, models that incorporate continuous variables rather than distinct cutoffs have emerged to more accurately predict the risk of progression. Integrating genetic alterations to the clinical models is a promising approach that could improve risk stratification and management of asymptomatic patients.