Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (WM)

Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia is a rare, slow-growing cancer of the blood. It is also named lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma. WM causes overproduction of a protein, called monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM or "macroglobulin") antibody. Excess IgM in the blood causes hyperviscosity (thickening) of the blood. This can be the cause of various symptoms. Some patients however do not experience symptoms. In 1944 the Swedish Dr. Jan Waldenström was the first to describe the disease. About 1 in 200.00 people get diagnosed WM.

WM is a serious disease, but slow moving. Most treatments are directed at symptoms. Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia is classified as an "orphan" disease. Orphan diseases are so rare that few, if any funds are available for research. Current treatment options for WM are based on research into similar disorders, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma.
More information about treatment of WM you can find at "WM information" in this website.

More detailed information about WM and WM patient support organisations you can find via "Links" in this website.