Clonotypic analysis of immunoglobulin heavy chain sequences among 44 patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the correlation between the mutational status of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) gene with the prognosis of patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM).@*METHODS@#Immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IGH) clonotypic sequence analysis was carried out to assess the mutational status of IGHV in the blood and/or bone marrow samples from 44 WM patients. The usage characteristics of IGHV-IGHD-IGHJ gene was explored.@*RESULTS@#The most common IGHV subgroup was IGHV3, which was similar to the data from the Institute of Hematology of Chinese Academy of Medical Science. IGHV3-23 (20.45% vs. 15.44%) and IGHV3-74 (11.36% vs. 7.35%) were the main fragments used, which was followed by IGHV4 gene family (15.91% vs. 24.26%). However, no significant correlation was found between the IGHV4 usage and the prognosis of the patients. Should 98% be taken as the cut-off value for the IGHV mutation status, only 5 patients had no IGHV variant, and there was no correlation with the prognosis. Based on the X-tile analysis, 92.6% was re-selected as the cut-off value for the IGHV variant status in such patients. LDH was increased in 26 patients (59.1%) without IGHV variant (P < 0.05), whilst progression-free survival (P < 0.05) and overall survival (P < 0.05) were significantly shorter compared with those with IGHV variants.@*CONCLUSION@#The usage characteristics of IGHV-IGHD-IGHJ in our patients was similar to reported by the Institute of Hematology of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, albeit that no correlation was found between the IGHV4 usage and the prognosis of the patients. Furthermore, 98% may not be appropriate for distinguishing the IGHV variant status in WM patients.

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.

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.

Macroglobulinemia de Waldenström: primer caso con confirmación molecular en Honduras / Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: first case with molecular confirmation in Honduras

Antecedentes: La Macroglobulinemia de Waldens- tröm (MW) es un desorden proliferativo en el cual está presente un Linfoma Linfoplasmocitoide (LLP) en la médula ósea y asociado a una gammapatía monoclonal IgM. Con una incidencia global de 3 casos por millón de personas-año, representa aproximadamente el 2% de todas las neoplasias hematológicas. Este es el primer caso documentado de MW en Honduras con confirmación molecular de la mutación MYD88 p.L265P. Descripción del caso: Paciente de 58 años de edad evaluado en 2017 con informe de biopsia que re - porta infiltración linfoplasmocitaria en glándula salival del labio infe- rior, refiriendo 3 meses de epistaxis y gingivorragia, anemia severa, leucopenia, episodios de lipotimia y pérdida de peso. Al examen físico presentó agrandamiento bilateral de glándula parótida y sub - mandibular, múltiples adenopatías cervicales, alteración en glándula tiroides, hepatomegalia leve y esplenomegalia masiva. Se encontra- ron valores elevados de TSH, microglobulina y LDH; eletroforesis y citometría de flujo de médula ósea sugestiva de desorden de IgM monoclonal. Se logró confirmación molecular mediante la detección de la mutación L265P en el gen MYD88. El paciente recibió esque- ma de primera línea con Ciclofosfamida, Adriamicina, Vincristina, Prednisona y Rituximab(CHOP-R), luego por recaída recibió mismo esquema por haber mostrado buena respuesta. Posteriormente, tras una nueva recaída recibió tratamiento con Chlorambucil pre - sentando nuevamente recaída. Se diagnosticó con MW refractaria y es candidato para recibir Ibrutinib; no disponible en nuestro me - dio. Conclusión: La escasa casuística de enfermedad de MW en Honduras dificulta el diagnóstico oportuno y tratamiento óptimo en nuestro medio...(AU)

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)

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.

JL1 Antigen Expression on Bone Marrow Lymphoma Cells from Patients With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

BACKGROUND: JL1, a CD43 epitope and mucin family cell surface glycoprotein, is expressed on leukemic cells. An anti-JL1 antibody combined with a toxic substance can have targeted therapeutic effects against JL1-positive leukemia; however, JL1 expression on bone marrow (BM) lymphoma cells has not been assessed using flow cytometry. We investigated JL1 expression on BM lymphoma cells from patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) to assess the potential of JL1 as a therapeutic target. METHODS: Patients with BM involvement of mature B-cell (N=44) or T- and natural killer (NK)-cell (N=4) lymphomas were enrolled from May 2015 to September 2016. JL1 expression on BM lymphoma cells was investigated using flow cytometry. Clinical, pathological, and cytogenetic characteristics, and treatment responses were compared according to JL1 expression status. RESULTS: Of the patients with NHL and BM involvement, 37.5% (18/48) were JL1-positive. Among mature B-cell lymphomas, 100%, 38.9%, 33.3%, 100%, and 25.0% of Burkitt lymphomas, diffuse large B-cell leukemias, mantle cell leukemias, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and other B-cell lymphomas, respectively, were JL1-positive. Three mature T- and NK-cell NHLs were JL1-positive. JL1 expression was associated with age (P=0.045), complete response (P=0.004), and BM involvement at follow-up (P=0.017), but not with sex, performance status, the B symptoms, packed marrow pattern, cytogenetic abnormalities, or survival. CONCLUSIONS: JL1 positivity was associated with superior complete response and less BM involvement in NHL following chemotherapy.

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.

What is the most appropriate regimen for untreated Waldenström macroglobulinemia?

No abstract available.

Miocardiopatia não compactada em gestante com linfoma não Hodgkin. Relato de caso / Non-compaction cardiomyopathy in pregnant women with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a case report

A miocardiopatia não compactada é uma doença congênita rara, que pode ocorrer isoladamente ou associada a outros defeitos, por falha no processo de compactação das fibras miocárdicas, resultando na persistência de trabeculações e recessos profundos. A associação entre a miocardiopatia não compactada e gestação é incomum na literatura, assim como a relação com macroglobulinemia de Waldenstrom, um tipo de linfoma não Hodgkin. Descrevemos aqui a rara associação destas três patologias. Trata-se de paciente do sexo feminino, sem antecedentes hematológicos, neoplasias ou cardiopatias, que procurou o serviço com queixa de astenia progressiva, dores no corpo, perda ponderal importante e anemia. Na investigação diagnóstica, a imunoeletroforese de proteína constatou pico monoclonal em IgM Kappa, com inventário medular por imunofenotipagem e biópsia de medula óssea com Kappa+, CD19+, CD20+, CD38 e CD79b, confirmando diagnóstico de neoplasia de linfócitos B maduros. Na terapêutica, optou-se pelo esquema de primeira linha com dexametasona, rituximabe e ciclofosfamida (DRC) − este último considerado agente alquilante cardiotóxico. Em triagem pré-quimioterápica, o eletrocardiograma mostrou alteração da repolarização ventricular anterosseptal. O ecocardiograma transtorácico evidenciou trabeculações excessivas no ápice do ventrículo esquerdo, sugerindo não compactação do miocárdio. A ressonância magnética confirmou o diagnóstico. Foi iniciada terapia com metoprolol e ácido acetilsalisílico. Todavia, após o último ciclo de terapia quimioterápica, paciente descobriu gravidez (G1P1A0). O período gestacional e o puerpério evoluíram sem manifestações clínicas de insuficiência cardíaca, em classe funcional I (New York Heart Association), mesmo com redução da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo ao ecocardiograma transtorácico. (AU)

Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a rare congenital disease that can occur in isolation or associated with other defects, due to failure in compaction of myocardial fiber, resulting in persistence of myocardial trabeculations and deep recesses. The association between non-compaction cardiomyopathy and gestation, as well as the relationship with Waldenstrom's macrobulinemia, a type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), are not common in the literature. This study describes the rare association of these three pathologies. This is the case of a female patient with no history of hematological, neoplastic, or heart diseases, who sought the service with complaints of progressive weakness, body aches, important weight loss, and anemia. During the diagnostic investigation, protein immunoelectrophoresis showed a monoclonal peak in IgM Kappa monoclonal gammopathy, with a medullary inventory by immunophenotyping and bone marrow biopsy with Kappa+, CD19+, CD20+, CD38 and CD79b, confirming the diagnosis of mature B-cell lymphocyte neoplasm. The first line therapy chosen was dexamethasone, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide (CKD), with the latter being considered a cardiotoxic alkylating agent. At pre-chemotherapy screening, the electrocardiogram showed an alteration of the anteroseptal ventricular repolarization. Transthoracic echocardiography (ETT) showed excessive trabeculations at the apex of the left ventricle (LV), suggesting no compaction of the myocardium. The magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis.Therapy with metoprolol and acetylsalicylic acid was started. However, after the last cycle of chemotherapy, the patient found she was pregnant (G1P1A0). The gestational and puerperium period progressed with no clinical manifestations of heart failure, in functional class I (New York Heart Association), albeit the reduction of the ejection fraction of the left ventricular shown in the transthoracic echocardiography. (AU)

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.

Research Progress on Diagnosis and Treatment of B Cell Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disease--Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

The 2016 world health organization (WHO) classification of B cell chronic lymphoproliferative disease (B-CLPD) includes chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), B prolymphocytic leukemia, (B-PLL), hairy cell leukemia (HCL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM). All the above-mentioned diseases are partially similar in cell morphology, immunophenotype and molecular genetics, but significantly different in treatment and prognosis. Currently, many new drugs targeted at cell cycle and apoptosis pathway, such as proteasome inhibitor immune modulators and histone deacetylase inhibitors, have achieved encouraging results in B-CLPD, which bring new hope for patients with B-CLPD. The review will discuss the progress in diagnosis and treatment of B-CLPD in recent years.

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.

Clinico-pathologic profile and clinical outcomes of patients with indolent lymphoma at the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital: A seven-year experience

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>INTRODUCTION:</strong> Indolent lymphoma (IL) is a slowly growing lymphoma, generally refractory to conventional chemotherapy. There are several types of IL, which includes follicular lymphoma (FL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and waldenstrom macroglobulinemia/ lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (WM/LPL). Presently, there are no known data in the Philippines on IL. This study is done to determine the clinico-pathologic profile and outcomes of Filipino patients with IL.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> This study is a retrospective chart review of outpatient department cases of IL seen at the Philippine General Hospital-Cancer Institute from January 2009 to January 2016. The following were documented: age; gender; primary location; presence or absence of B symptoms; type of IL; Ann-arbor stage; prognostic indices for FL and MCL; and staging with bone marrow aspiration and whole body CT scan. Treatment intervention and clinical outcomes were documented.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> This study showed that SLL was the most common IL. Most were elderly (>40 years old); male; lacked B symptoms; limited disease; and primary location at or near the orbital area. MCL were seen in all risk groups. Follicular lymphoma (FL) were mostly low risk and had grade one histology. Majority had disease control regardless of treatment intervention. Most patients with recurrence/progression after initial treatment had limited disease but were understaged. Most of the patients were not staged with bone marrow aspiration or whole body computed tomography.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>The results of this study are mostly consistent with known literature on IL. Absence of B symptoms and limited disease may indicate a low-grade histology. Observation was the most common option for asymptomatic patients.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>

Clinico-pathologic profile and clinical outcomes of patients with indolent lymphoma at the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital: A seven-year experience

INTRODUCTION: Indolent lymphoma (IL) is a slowly growing lymphoma, generally refractory to conventional chemotherapy. There are several types of IL, which includes follicular lymphoma (FL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and waldenstrom macroglobulinemia/ lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (WM/LPL). Presently, there are no known data in the Philippines on IL. This study is done to determine the clinico-pathologic profile and outcomes of Filipino patients with IL.METHODS: This study is a retrospective chart review of outpatient department cases of IL seen at the Philippine General Hospital-Cancer Institute from January 2009 to January 2016. The following were documented: age; gender; primary location; presence or absence of B symptoms; type of IL; Ann-arbor stage; prognostic indices for FL and MCL; and staging with bone marrow aspiration and whole body CT scan. Treatment intervention and clinical outcomes were documented.RESULTS: This study showed that SLL was the most common IL. Most were elderly (>40 years old); male; lacked B symptoms; limited disease; and primary location at or near the orbital area. MCL were seen in all risk groups. Follicular lymphoma (FL) were mostly low risk and had grade one histology. Majority had disease control regardless of treatment intervention. Most patients with recurrence/progression after initial treatment had limited disease but were understaged. Most of the patients were not staged with bone marrow aspiration or whole body computed tomography.CONCLUSION: The results of this study are mostly consistent with known literature on IL. Absence of B symptoms and limited disease may indicate a low-grade histology. Observation was the most common option for asymptomatic patients. 

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.

Clinico-pathologic profile and clinical outcomes of patients with indolent lymphoma at the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital: A seven-year experience

INTRODUCTION: Indolent lymphoma (IL) is a slowly growing lymphoma, generally refractory to conventional chemotherapy. There are several types of IL, which includes follicular lymphoma (FL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and waldenstrom macroglobulinemia/ lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (WM/LPL). Presently, there are no known data in the Philippines on IL. This study is done to determine the clinico-pathologic profile and outcomes of Filipino patients with IL. METHODS: This study is a retrospective chart review of outpatient department cases of IL seen at the Philippine General Hospital-Cancer Institute from January 2009 to January 2016. The following were documented: age; gender; primary location; presence or absence of B symptoms; type of IL; Ann-arbor stage; prognostic indices for FL and MCL; and staging with bone marrow aspiration and whole body CT scan. Treatment intervention and clinical outcomes were documented. RESULTS: This study showed that SLL was the most common IL. Most were elderly (>40 years old); male; lacked B symptoms; limited disease; and primary location at or near the orbital area. MCL were seen in all risk groups. Follicular lymphoma (FL) were mostly low risk and had grade one histology. Majority had disease control regardless of treatment intervention. Most patients with recurrence/progression after initial treatment had limited disease but were understaged. Most of the patients were not staged with bone marrow aspiration or whole body computed tomography. CONCLUSION: The results of this study are mostly consistent with known literature on IL. Absence of B symptoms and limited disease may indicate a low-grade histology. Observation was the most common option for asymptomatic patients.