Extramedullary disease in Waldenström macroglobulinemia: A population-based observational study

EJHaem. 2024 Oct 25;5(6):1269-1273. doi: 10.1002/jha2.1037. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Extramedullary disease (EMD) is a rare manifestation of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), and its clinical and prognostic implications are poorly understood.

Methods: In this single-center study, we investigated the clinical significance of EMD in a cohort of 469 WM patients.

Results: EMD was identified in 30 (6.4%) patients, with the central nervous system, kidneys, and lungs being the most frequently affected sites. The cumulative incidence of EMD was 12.6% at 15 years. Median overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years for patients with EMD were 63% and 37%, respectively.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate a persistent risk of EMD throughout the disease course, with no significant impact on long-term survival.

Keywords: Waldenström macroglobulinemia; extramedullary; extranodal; lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma; prognosis.