The efficacy and safety of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors as monotherapy in the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) ibrutinib or zanubrutinib monotherapy in newly diagnosed patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) . Methods: The efficacy and adverse effects of 58 patients with newly diagnosed WM receiving BTKi monotherapy in Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were analyzed retrospectively from January 2018 to August 2022. Results: The response of 55 patients may be examined. Forty patients received ibrutinib monotherapy for a median of 15 months, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 85%, a main remission rate (MRR) of 70%, and a very good partial remission (VGPR) rate of 10%. Fifteen patients received zanubrutinib monotherapy for a median of 13 months, with an ORR of 93%, an MRR of 73%, and a VGPR rate of 0%. For various reasons, 10 patients were converted from ibrutinib to zanubrutinib. Ibrutinib treatment lasted an average of 7.5 months before conversion. The median duration of zanubrutinib therapy after conversion was 3.5 months. The ORRs before and after conversion were 90% and 100%, MRRs were 80% and 80%, and VGPR rates were 10% and 50%, respectively. After a median of 16 months, the 24-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate of patients who received both BTKi was 86%. PFS did not differ statistically across individuals with low, medium, and high-risk ISS scores (P=0.998). All of the patients survived. The most common side effects of BTKi were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, which occurred in 12% and 10% of all patients, respectively. Ibrutinib accounts for 5% of atrial fibrillation, and zanubrutinib has a 7% risk of bleeding. Conclusions: In treating WM, ibrutinib or zanubrutinib provides good efficacy and tolerable adverse effects.

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: clinical analysis of 33 cases / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and survival of patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL).Methods:The data of 33 newly diagnosed LPL patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from July 2003 to May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical characteristics, bone marrow cell morphology, immunophenotyping, chromosomal karyotype, gene mutation, treatment response and prognosis were analyzed, and Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival of patients.Results:The median age of onset of 33 patients was 66 years old (55-84 years old). There were 26 males (78.8%) and 7 females (21.2%). The common clinical manifestations were anemia (31 cases, 93.9%), enlarged lymph nodes (16 cases, 48.5%) and B symptoms (8 cases, 24.2%). All patients had bone marrow involvement and M protein, 23 of them (69.7%) were type IgM-κ, 8 cases (24.2%) were type IgM-λ, 1 case (3.0%) was type IgG-κ, and 1 case (3.0%) was type IgA-κ. Lymphocytes, lymphoplasmacytes or plasma cells was increased in bone marrow smear; 22 patients underwent immunophenotyping of bone marrow by flow cytometry, and all patients expressed B cell surface antigens (CD19 and CD20), 16 patients (72.7%) lost the expression of CD5 and CD10, 13 patients (59.1%) expressed or weakly expressed CD138 and 5 patients (22.7%) expressed CD38. Seven out of 23 cases (30.4%) who received chromosome examination had abnormal chromosomal karyotype. Fourteen out of 16 cases (87.5%) who received MYD88 L265P mutation detection harbored the mutation. Among 21 patients with evaluable efficacy, 18 patients (85.7%) responded to treatment, achieving partial remission or stable disease, but the rate of complete remission was low (14.3%, 3/21). The median follow-up time was 34 months (2-102 months), 1 case was lost. The median overall survival time was not reached, and the 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 79.2% and 67.9%, respectively.Conclusions:LPL is a rare indolent small B-cell lymphoma with a long course and a variety of manifestations, which is commonly seen in elderly men.Serological examination, bone marrow cell morphology and biopsy, immunophenotyping and MYD88 L265P mutation detection are important for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Familial Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia: report of 6 cases and review of literature / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the familial inheritances, clinical features, treatments and outcomes of familial Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) patients.Methods:The clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, diagnosis and treatments, and follow-up data of 6 familial WM patients who were admitted to Yancheng No.1 People's Hospital from June 2002 to July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, and the literature was reviewed.Results:Among 6 WM patients, 4 patients had dizziness and fatigue at the onset, 1 patient had recurrent low-grade fever and abnormal sweating as the first manifestations, 1 patient was hospitalized due to pulmonary infection, and WM was found later. Two brothers of the patients were diagnosed with WM, another 2 brothers of the patients had IgM-type monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) during the physical examination. All the 6 patients were middle-aged/elderly men, with a median age of 63 years old (51-70 years old). The median follow-up time were 71.5 months (4-217 months), and by the end of the follow-up (June 2020), 2 cases died of pulmonary infection, and 1 of them developed acute myeloid leukemia; the other 4 cases were in regular chemotherapy. Two IgM-MGUS patients were followed up without symptoms.Conclusions:WM patients have familial aggregation, and their clinical manifestations are highly heterogeneous. Patients with family history may have poor prognosis. It is necessary to strengthen the awareness of WM and family history screening.

Exploring the detection of MYD88 mutation in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia by different methods and specimens / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To improve the positivity rate and accuracy of MYD88 mutation detection in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) . Methods: MYD88 mutation status was retrospectively evaluated in 66 patients diagnosed with WM in Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from June 2017 to June 2021. The positivity rate and accuracy of the different methods and specimens for MYD88 mutation detection were analyzed. Results: MYD88 mutations were detected in 51 of 66 patients with WM, with an overall positivity rate of 77%. The positivity rate of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) or allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) was significantly higher than that of the first-generation Sanger sequencing (84% vs 71% vs 46%, P<0.05) . For the different specimens, the positivity rate for the lymph nodes or bone marrow was significantly higher than that of peripheral blood (79% vs 84% vs 52%, P<0.05) . The positivity rate of the MYD88 mutation in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and peripheral blood determined by NGS was 86%, 90%, and 67%, respectively. The positivity rate in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and peripheral blood detected by AS-PCR was 78%, 81%, and 53%, respectively. Thirty-nine patients with WM underwent ≥ 2 MYD88 mutation detections. The final MYD88 mutational status for each patient was used as the standard to determine the accuracy of the different methods and in different specimens. The accuracy of MYD88 mutation detection in the lymph nodes (n=18) and bone marrow (n=13) by NGS was significantly higher than that in the peripheral blood (n=4) (100% vs 100% vs 75%, P<0.05) . There was no statistically significant difference in the accuracy of MYD88 mutation detection by AS-PCR in the lymph nodes (n=15) , bone marrow (n=11) , or peripheral blood (n=16) (93% vs 91% vs 88%, P>0.05) . Conclusions: In the detection of the MYD88 mutation in patients diagnosed with WM, NGS or AS-PCR is more sensitive than Sanger sequencing. Lymph nodes and bone marrow specimens are better than peripheral blood specimens.

Amiloidosis cardiaca secundaria a macroglobulinemia de Waldenström / Cardiac amyloidosis secondary to Waldenström macroglobulinemia

Introducción: La macroglobulinemia de Waldenström constituye una neoplasia hematológica del grupo de las gammapatías monoclonales, que incluye síntomas sistémicos y relacionados al incremento de la paraproteína M. Objetivo: Describir un caso de amiloidosis cardiaca asociada a macroglobulinemia. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino que fue admitido por astenia, disfonía, y durante su evolución desarrolló disnea progresiva, insuficiencia cardiaca y efusión pleural. Adicionalmente, la ecocardiografía mostró patrón granular miocárdico, y la biopsia pleural resultó positiva para la tinción rojo congo. Posteriormente, recibió tratamiento con bortezomib, dexametasona y rituximab con evolución favorable. Conclusiones: En esta enfermedad el diagnóstico temprano es una ventaja importante para la supervivencia. Es por esa razón, que su manejo es paliativo de las manifestaciones cardiacas. El presente caso pone en manifiesto un reto diagnóstico, en el cual se deben tomar en cuenta las etiologías menos frecuentes de insuficiencia cardiaca(AU)

Introduction: Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is a hematological neoplasm belonging to the group of monoclonal gammopathies, which includes systemic symptoms and those related to an increase in M paraprotein. Objective: To describe a case of cardiac amyloidosis associated with macroglobulinemia. Clinical case: Male patient who was admitted for asthenia, dysphonia, and who, during his evolution, developed progressive dyspnea, heart failure and pleural effusion. Additionally, echocardiography showed myocardial granular pattern, while pleural biopsy was positive for Congo red staining. Subsequently, he received treatment with bortezomib, dexamethasone and rituximab, with favorable evolution. Conclusions: In this disease, early diagnosis is an important advantage for survival. Therefore, its management is palliative of cardiac manifestations. The present case shows a diagnostic challenge, in which the less frequent etiologies of heart failure must be taken into account(AU)

Progress of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare and incurable indolent lymphoma, characterized by serum monoclonal IgM. Whole-genome sequencing has showed that MYD88 and CXCR4 gene mutations are the most common molecular genetic changes in WM. In recent years, with the development of next-generation sequencing and other technologies, the research on the pathogenetic mechanism of WM has been continuously explored. Clinical trials of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors and other new drugs have been continuously carried out, improving the prognosis of WM. This paper reviews the latest research on treatment and prognosis analysis of WM in the 61st American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.

Clinical, Laboratory, and Bone Marrow Findings of 31 Patients With Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

BACKGROUND: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a subset of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) with bone marrow (BM) involvement and an IgM monoclonal gammopathy of any level. We aimed to identify the clinical, laboratory, and BM findings of patients with WM and to evaluate the usefulness of CD154 for the diagnosis and prognosis of WM.METHODS: We reviewed the medical records and BM studies and/or flow cytometric immunotyping of 31 patients with untreated WM. Semiquantitative immunohistochemistry (CD20, CD138, tryptase, and CD154) of BM was performed.RESULTS: Only six patients presented with symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome. Eleven patients had solid cancer and/or another hematologic malignancy. Mast cells (MC) increased in all samples, with some in close contact with tumor cells. Tryptase-positive MC (17.1/ high-power fields [HPF], 1.2–72.0/HPF) and CD154-positive MC (8.6/HPF, 0.1–31.1/HPF) were observed. The high CD154-positive MC (≥8.6/HPF) group showed a lower overall five-year survival rate than the low CD154-positive MC (<8.6/HPF) group (71.9% vs. 100.0%; P=0.012). Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of BM aspirates showed increased B lymphocytes and plasma cells with a normal phenotype (CD138⁺/CD38⁺/CD19⁺/CD45⁺/CD56⁻).CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one third of WM patients showed other malignancies and all patients had increased MC. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometric immunophenotyping are useful for diagnosing WM, and increased CD154-positive MC can indicate poor prognosis.

Macroglobulinemia de Waldenström: experiencia de 15 años en el Hospital del Salvador, Santiago, Chile / Waldenström macroglobulinemia: experience in 31 patients

Background: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is an uncommon indolent B-cell lymphoma, due to the proliferation of lymphoplasmacytic cells, and secretion of a monoclonal IgM protein. Aim: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, management and results of treatment of patients with WM at a public hospital in Chile. Patients and Methods: Review of medical records of 31 patients aged 43 to 85 years (16 males) with WM diagnosed between 2002 and 2017. Clinical features and survival were recorded. Results: All patients had bone marrow compromise, and 31%, extranodal involvement. According to the International Prognostic Score System for WM (IPSSWM) 16, 58 and 26% were at low, intermediate and high risk, respectively. Twenty-five patients (81%) were treated, 32% with plasmapheresis and 36% with rituximab. Four cases (16%) achieved complete remission. Median follow up was 35 months (range 6-159). Estimated overall survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years was 74% and 53%, respectively. According to IPSSWM, the estimated five-year OS was 80, 92 and 39%, for low, intermediate and high-risk patients, respectively. Conclusions: OS was similar to that reported abroad, except for low risk patients, probably due to the low number of cases and short follow up. An improved survival should be expected with the routine use of immunochemotherapy.

Trombosis de la vena central de la retina (TVCR) bilateral asociada a síndrome de hiperviscosidad en una Macroglobulinemia de Waldenström (MW) - a propósito de un caso / Bilateral central retinal vein thrombosis (TVCR) associated with hyperviscosity syndrome in a Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (MW) - a case report

Introducción: la Macroglobulinemia de Waldenström (MW) es un tipo raro de linfoma de células B caracterizado por la proliferación de células linfoplasmocíticas que secretan altas cantidades de inmunoglobulinas M (IgM) monoclonales. Puede presentarse con una amplia gama de síntomas, entre ellos los derivados del aumento de la viscosidad plasmática. Métodos: reportamos un caso de MW que presentó una trombosis de la vena central de la retina (TVCR) bilateral en el contexto de un síndrome de hiperviscosidad (SHV). El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar algunos aspectos clínicos de la MW, con especial énfasis en el SHV y la TVCR. Resultados: las manifestaciones clínicas y de laboratorio de la MW son inespecíficas y comunes a otras neoplasias hematológicas. El SHV se produce cuando los niveles de IgM sobrepasan los 3 mg/dL, situación que ocurre en un 15-30 por ciento de los pacientes. La TVCR es una complicación grave y rara asociada al SHV, presentándose típicamente como una pérdida de agudeza visual indolora. El fondo de ojo exhibe signos característicos, como tortuosidad venosa y hemorragias retinales hasta la periferia, y la angiografía con fluorosceína y la OCT pueden orientar al diagnóstico y guiar el manejo. El tratamiento incluye la plasmaféresis y tratamientos oftalmológicos basados en agentes antioangiogénicos. Conclusión: la MW es una enfermedad incurable. Sin embargo, es importante sospechar una TVCR en pacientes que debutan con una pérdida de agudeza visual, ya que existen tratamientos efectivos en el manejo de esta complicación. (AU)

Introduction: Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare type of B-cell lymphoma characterized by proliferation of lymphoplasmocitarian cells that secrete high amounts of monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM). It may present with a wide range of symptoms, including the ones that derivatives of the increase in plasma viscosity. Methods: we report a case of WM that presented a bilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in the context of a hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS). The objective of this study was to review clinical aspects of the WM, with special emphasis on the HVS and the CRVO. Results: the WM laboratory and clinical manifestations are common to other hematological malignancies. The HVS occurs when levels of IgM exceed 3 mg/dL, situation that occurs in 15-30 percent of patients. The CRVO is a serious and rare complication associated with the HVS, typically presented as a painless visual acuity loss. The fundoscopic examination exhibits characteristic signs, such as venous tortuousity and retinal hemorrhages in all four quadrants and most numerous in the periphery; angiography with fluoroscein and the OCT can orientate the diagnosis and guide the management. The treatment includes plasmapheresis and other ophthlamological treatments based on antiangiogenic agents. Conclusion: the WM is an incurable disease. However, it is important to suspect a CRVO in patients who made their debut with a loss of visual acuity, since there are effective treatments in the management of this complication.(AU)

A Case of Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma/Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia with IgM-κ and IgA-λ Biclonal Gammopathy

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is a low-grade B-cell neoplasm, composed of small B lymphocytes, plasmacytoid lymphocytes, and plasma cells, usually involving bone marrow and sometimes lymph nodes or spleen. LPL with bone marrow involvement and an IgM monoclonal gammopathy of any concentration is designated as Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). LPL associated with non-IgM monoclonal gammopathy or biclonal gammopathy is rarely observed. LPL diagnosis was based on clinical, morphological, and immunophenotypic findings. Recently, the test for L265P mutation of the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88) gene has been helpful in the diagnosis of LPL. Here, we reported the first case of LPL/WM with IgM-κ/IgA-λ biclonal gammopathy in Korea.

Immunogammopathy maculopathy / 中华眼底病杂志

Immunogammopathy maculopathy is a newly discovered retinopathy associated with macroglobulinemia in recent years.The main manifestations were retinal vein convulsion and dilation caused by high blood viscosity,retinal interlaminar effusion and macular serous detachment.With the prolongation of the course of disease,the photoreceptor layer and RPE layer in the detachment area showed atrophic changes.The pathogenesis of ophthalmopathy is still unknown.Understanding the clinical features,diagnosis,differential diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmopathy is of great significance for understanding this kind of disease and improving the level of diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmopathy.

Progress of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare type of indolent lymphoma characterized by serum monoclonal IgM. The first symptoms of WM include fever, loss of body mass, cytopenia or organ enlargement. IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (IgM MGUS) and smoldering WM (SWM) are early stages of WM. As the disease is an indolent B-cell lymphoma with low cure rate, the prognosis of the disease has been significantly improved with the in-depth study of its pathogenesis and the development of various new drugs. The MYD88 gene mutation was found to be present in more than 90％ of WM patients. MYD88 gene encodes a bridging protein that connects the TLR9 and interleukin (IL)-6R signals to activate the activity of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and mTOR. Ibrutinib is the first Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for WM, and it has a significant effect on WM with MYD88 gene mutation. The research on WM reported in the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting explored many aspects. In this paper, the latest research on WM in the 60th ASH Annual Meeting will be reported.

Clinical features and survival outcomes of patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, including non-IgM type, in Korea: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND: The incidence of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is lower in Asian than in Western populations. Few studies have described the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with LPL, including non-IgM LPL, in East Asia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with LPL at Asan Medical Center between January 2001 and March 2016. We evaluated the clinical features and survival outcomes of patients with LPL and non-IgM LPL and compared these data with those of patients with LPL/Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM). RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis of patients with LPL was 61.5 years (range, 34–77 yr); most patients were male (91%). Approximately three-quarters of the 22 patients with LPL were in the low or intermediate risk groups according to the International Prognostic Scoring System for Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia classification. The median follow-up duration was 75 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 48–102 mo], and the median overall survival (OS) was 81 months (95% CI, 0–167 mo). The number of patients in the non-IgM LPL group who exhibited extramedullary involvement was higher than in the LPL/WM group. OS of the LPL/WM group was improved compared with that of the non-IgM LPL group [median not reached vs. 10.0 mo (95% CI, 0–36.7); P=0.05]. CONCLUSION: We present a single-center experience of 22 patients with LPL, including a non-IgM cohort, in Korea. The treatment of non-IgM LPL was heterogeneous, and patients with non-IgM LPL showed a higher 5-year mortality rate and more adverse prognostic factors than those with LPL/WM.

Progress of individualized treatment in Waldenström macroglobulinemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoma without a curable treatment method, which is characterized by MYD88 and CXCR4 gene mutations. The study on clinical manifestations, the pathological and genomic features has led to a series of promising clinical protocols. This article reviews the safety and efficacy of drugs including alkylating agents, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors in WM patients combined with the latest research of the individualized treatment for WM at the 59th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, so as to analyze the feasibility of basic genomic treatment and current integrated regimens for WM.

Myelin-associated glycoprotein associated neuropathies: clinical features and antibody detection / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG)-associated peripheral neuropathy, as well as its antibody detection methods, treatment and prognosis. Methods Six cases of IgM paraproteinemia and anti-MAG antibody-associated peripheral neuropathy were summarized. All of the patients came from Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Qilu Hospital since April 2014 to February 2018. The clinical features, electrophysiological characteristics, and auxiliary examinations including anti-MAG antibody results were analyzed, and the treatment and prognosis were followed. Results Of the six patients, five were male and one was female. The age of onset was 50-77 years and the duration was three months to six years. All the six cases suffered from numbness of distal limbs and gradually progressed to the proximal limbs, of which three cases had muscle weakness. Walking instability occurred in five cases. One patient had electricity-like pain in the lower extremities. Reflexes in the four limbs decreased in five cases, and gloves and socks-like deep sensation decreased in six cases. Five patients underwent lumbar puncture and the cerebral spinal fluid protein ranged from 0.75 to 1.33 g/L. Serum monoclonal proteins were found in six patients, of which four were IgM kappa and two were IgG kappa and IgM kappa biclonal. Four cases were diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and two cases were diagnosed with Waldenstr?m's macroglobulinaemia. Abnormal electromyography was detected in all the six cases, suggesting demyelinating peripheral nerve damage with secondary axonal damage, which was sensory predominant and more severe in lower limbs than upper limbs. In all the six cases, anti-MAG-IgM antibodies were all positive by indirect immunofluorescence assay based on transfected cells and peripheral nerve tissues. After the diagnosis, three patients underwent RCD (rituxima + dexamethasone + cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy. One patient improved (the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score was 3 before treatment and 2 three years after treatment), one patient was stable, and one patient was still in follow-up. One patient was treated with rituxima, and the condition improved (the mRS score was 3 before treatment and 1 one year after treatment). Conclusions MAG-associated peripheral neuropathy can present a slow progressed distal symmetric sensomotor peripheral neuropathy with predominant sensory symptoms. Electromyography shows demyelinating change. Monoclonal protein is usually IgM kappa. MAG-IgM antibodies detection by indirect immunofluorescence assay based on transfected cells and peripheral nerve tissues can support the diagnosis. RCD chemotherapy may be effective.

Impact of rituximab and half-dose CHOP as primary therapy for untreated symptomatic Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: review of a combined regimen of rituximab with an alkylating agent

BACKGROUND: Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare subtype of indolent B-cell lymphoma, and prospective randomized studies on WM are scarce. The R-CHOP therapy [rituximab (R), cyclophosphamide, hydroxy-doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone] is a popular and recommended regimen for primary therapy, prescribed by several treatment guidelines for WM. However, treatment with R-CHOP is accompanied by severe myelosuppression and high rates of peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of half-dose CHOP combined with R as a primary therapy for WM. METHODS: Patients with untreated symptomatic WM, treated at the Disaster Medical Center between April 2011 and September 2016, were retrospectively analyzed after administration of 6 cycles of half-dose R-CHOP for every 3 weeks. The response, median time to response, best response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and toxicities were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 20 WM patients analyzed, 16 (80%) received half-dose R-CHOP without vincristine, and 13 (65%) responded to the treatment. With a median follow-up duration of 26.3 months, the 2-year progression-free survival and 2-year overall survival rates were 70 and 93.3%, respectively. The median time to response and best response were 6 and 9.9 weeks, respectively. Grade 3/4 leukocytopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and Grade 1 peripheral neuropathy developed in 32, 37, 0, and 21% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The half-dose R-CHOP is an effective and well-tolerated primary therapy for WM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the use of a reduced-dose R-CHOP regimen for the primary treatment of WM.

Bing-Neel syndrome: 3 cases report and a review of the literature / 中华血液学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis criteria, treatment and prognosis in patients with Bing-Neel Syndrome (BNS) .@*Methods@#The clinical characteristics, lab data, treatment and outcomes of 3 Bing-Neel syndrome patients diagnosed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were collected.@*Results@#The clinical presentation was heterogeneous without any specific common signs or symptoms. One patient was diagnosed with BNS 42 months after diagnosis of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology and flow cytometry, but dead of infection during the first course of chemotherapy. BNS was the first manifestation of WM in the other 2 cases. They were diagnosed by flow cytometry and cytology of CSF. The detection of MYD88L265P mutation in CSF contributed to diagnosis and to sequential monitoring of minimal residual disease. They received systemic chemotherapy of FC (fludarabine + cyclophosphamide) ± rituximab and intrathecal therapy, followed by maintenance therapy of chlorambucil or R2 (rituximab + lenalidomide) . They were followed 17 and 20 months respectively without progression of disease.@*Conclusion@#The diagnosis approach of BNS should be based on a combination of CSF cytology, flow cytometry and detection of the MYD88L265P mutation. The detection of MYD88L265P mutation may be useful in the monitoring of minimal residual disease.

Evaluation of clinical characteristics, MYD88L265P mutation, CXCR4WHIM mutation and prognosis in Waldenström macroglobulinemia: A single center retrospective study of 93 patients / 中华血液学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical characteristics, MYD88L265P mutation, CXCR4WHIM mutation and prognosis in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM).@*Methods@#The clinical characteristics, International Prognostic Scoring System for symptomatic WM (WPSS) , and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively assayed in 93 patients with newly diagnosed WM at Peking Union Medical College Hospital during January 2000 to August 2016. The MYD88L265P mutation and CXCR4WHIM mutation were tested among 34 patients.@*Results@#The median age of the 93 patients was 64 years (range, 33-85 years) with a male-to-female ratio of 2.44. According to WPSS, we included 16 (17.2%) low-risk, 44 (47.3%) intermediate-risk and 33 (35.5%) high-risk patients. Eight patients had secondary amyloidosis. With a median follow-up of 44 (1-201) months, the median OS was 84 months. Cox regression multifactor analysis showed WPSS risk group (HR=2.342, 95% CI 1.111-4.950, P=0.025) , whether patients had secondary amyloidosis (HR=5.538, 95% CI 1.958-15.662, P=0.001) and whether patients received new drugs (HR=3.392, 95% CI 1.531-7.513, P=0.003) were independent factors associated with OS. We have investigated the presence of the MYD88L265P and CXCR4WHIM mutation in 34 patients and found that MYD88L265P mutation was occurred in 32 patients (94.1%) and CXCR4WHIM mutation was occurred in 8 patients (23.5%). Seven of 8 patients who harbored CXCR4WHIM-mutated also exhibited the MYD88L265P mutation. Patients with MYD88L265PCXCR4WHIM vs MYD88L265PCXCR4WT presented with more severe anemia, lower platelet level, higher M protein level and more hyper-viscosity syndrome.@*Conclusion@#WPSS risk group, whether patients had secondary amyloidosis or received new drugs are independent factors for OS in WM. MYD88L265P and CXCR4WHIM mutation, the most common somatic variants in WM, often occur together and impact the clinical presentation.

Bullous Cellulitis-like Sweet Syndrome in a Patient with Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / 대한피부과학회지

Neutrophilic dermatoses comprise a wide spectrum of inflammatory diseases with overlapping features characterized histologically by the presence of an aseptic neutrophilic infiltrate in the epidermis, dermis, and/or hypodermis and are often associated with systemic inflammatory and neoplastic disorders. Here we report a case of a 75-year-old man who developed painful indurated plaques with a vesicular, bullous, and even hemorrhagic appearance similar to cellulitis on his right leg along with a fever that raised his body temperature up to 39℃ and malaise.

Penile ulcer as a specific clinical manifestation of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia

Abstract Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia is considered a lymphoma by the World Health Organization. Cutaneous lesions, particularly of a specific type, are rare occurring in 5% of patients. What draws attention in this case is the unusual cutaneous clinical manifestation and its location on the genitals, which has not been described in researched literature, therefore imposing differential diagnosis with other etiologies of genital ulcers.