HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The End Stage Conditions Ad Longevity Of Waldenstrom's?

default
Posted on Sat, 28 Dec 2013
Question: what are the end stage conditions of waldenstrom's? Is there an expected longivity number?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: Please refer below Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a heterogeneous group and outcomes are variable. Median survival in Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is approximately five years from the time of diagnosis. Those who have no risk factors like low hemoglobin or very high beta-2 microglobulin survive longer, sometimes >8 years. Rituximab is a good agent to start therapy with. However, all patients with WM will ultimately relapse after an initial response to therapy. Treatment options for patients with relapsed disease include reinstitution of the initial therapy, use of an alternative agent, or high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Given your age and other coexistent illnesses, I don't think transplant is an option for you. Complications which may happen at progression of disease are- Systemic symptoms (weakness, fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, neuropathy), physical findings (lymph gland enlargement, liver and/or spleen enlargement), and/or laboratory abnormalities (low hemoglobin, white cells or platelets). Also there may be hyperviscosity (thick blood), as suggested by symptoms and signs such as oronasal bleeding, blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, etc. These may need urgent treatment. Overall, I feel you are on the right track and we all hope for the best. If there is progression then we have many options, which can control it for even longer. Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1712 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Are The End Stage Conditions Ad Longevity Of Waldenstrom's?

Brief Answer: Please refer below Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a heterogeneous group and outcomes are variable. Median survival in Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is approximately five years from the time of diagnosis. Those who have no risk factors like low hemoglobin or very high beta-2 microglobulin survive longer, sometimes >8 years. Rituximab is a good agent to start therapy with. However, all patients with WM will ultimately relapse after an initial response to therapy. Treatment options for patients with relapsed disease include reinstitution of the initial therapy, use of an alternative agent, or high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Given your age and other coexistent illnesses, I don't think transplant is an option for you. Complications which may happen at progression of disease are- Systemic symptoms (weakness, fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, neuropathy), physical findings (lymph gland enlargement, liver and/or spleen enlargement), and/or laboratory abnormalities (low hemoglobin, white cells or platelets). Also there may be hyperviscosity (thick blood), as suggested by symptoms and signs such as oronasal bleeding, blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, etc. These may need urgent treatment. Overall, I feel you are on the right track and we all hope for the best. If there is progression then we have many options, which can control it for even longer. Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.