This disease is due to overproduction of cells that are like Plasma cells from the bone marrow. Under normal circumstances, these cells are in charge of producing immune globulins, the immune proteins that our body needs to fight infections. In case of Waldenström's Disease, the abnormal plasma cells produce abnormal and dysfunctional immune globulins. The kind of immune globulin that is produced in this disease can cause thickening of the blood and lead to a Hyperviscosity syndrome. This disease is basically diagnosed by detecting these abnormal immune globulins in the blood, or alternatively, by observing the abnormal cells in the bone marrow. This is a very rare and low grade cancer and is more commonly seen after age of 65.
CAUSES OF WALDENSTROM’S MACROGLOBULINEMIA
The cause of this illness is unknown
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Patients may not show any signs for quite sometime. This illness can present itself in many different fashions. Most patients, however, present with Hyperviscosity syndrome. As the disease progresses, it can cause any of the following problems:
• Anemia
• Low platelet count
• Frequent infections
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Enlargement of lymph glands
• Enlargement of Liver and spleen.
TREATMENT
Waldenström's Disease involves almost all of the bone marrow space in the body. As a result, the disease can only be treated with chemotherapy. Any patient who is under the age of 60, and otherwise in good health, should be considered for a bone marrow transplantation. For individuals who are older or can not tolerate the transplant, chemotherapy is most appropriate. If the disease causes a local problem in bones, like bone pain, or fractures, etc., radiation can be used to alleviate that problem.
The most commonly used chemotherapy regimens for treatment of Waldenström's Disease is Cladribine (Leustatin). This drug can induce a very good remission in great majority of patients.
Other drugs that might be used are : Melphalan , Prednisone, Cytoxan, Interferon
