What are the treatment options for Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia?

Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia is a type of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma affecting certain white blood cells. These cells can produce an abnormal antibody called IgM, which may make the blood more crowded and contribute to symptoms. If the condition is not causing troublesome symptoms or harmful changes, a specialist may recommend regular monitoring rather than immediate treatment.

When treatment is needed, chemotherapy medicines can slow or destroy abnormal cells. Targeted therapy is designed to interfere with particular signals or proteins that help these cells survive. A combination may be used so that medicines act in different ways. The plan depends on symptoms, blood results, previous treatment, other illnesses and how quickly the condition is changing.

Keep a record of fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, unusual bleeding, numbness or recurrent infections, and tell the haematology team if these change. Bring your medicines and ask how treatment could affect infection risk, blood counts, nerve symptoms and daily activities. Monitoring appointments may include blood tests and a review of symptoms.

Learn about [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/) and [Targeted Therapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/targeted-therapy/) before discussing which approach fits your situation. Do not start supplements or stop prescribed medicines without checking with the team.

Seek urgent medical advice for new confusion, severe headache, sudden visual change, chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding or a high temperature during treatment. These symptoms can need rapid assessment, particularly when blood flow or infection may be affected.

Do I need treatment now or monitoring? What is the aim of the proposed medicines? Why is this combination suitable for me? Which symptoms require same-day advice? How will blood tests show whether treatment is working or causing side effects?