Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma): Latest Research

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 10/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about the scientific research being done to learn more about Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and how to treat it. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors are working to learn more about Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for you.

  • New treatments and targeted therapies. As explained in Types of Treatment, targeted therapy can block tumor growth in different ways. Other medications that target how B cells develop are also being studied for the treatment of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.

  • Drug combinations. Drug combinations are being studied to treat Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Clinical trials are investigating using targeted therapies, such as rituximab and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, combined with each other or chemotherapy as a way to eliminate more cancer cells.

  • Palliative and supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia treatments to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

Looking for More about the Latest Research?

If you would like more information about the latest areas of research in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, explore these related items that take you outside of this guide:

The next section in this guide is Coping with Treatment. It offers some guidance on how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that cancer and its treatment can bring. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.