What are the novel treatment options for patients with relapsed or refractory WM?

On behalf of the International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF), the Lymphoma Hub was pleased to speak with Stephen Ansell, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, US, who chaired a discussion on, What are the novel treatment options for patients with relapsed or refractory Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM)? This discussion also featured Christian Buske, Monique Minnema, Sheeba Koshy Thomas, and Jorge J. Castillo.

Buske begins by explaining how chemotherapy-free approaches could be the future of WM treatment and highlights the important role of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The current structure of clinical trials is discussed, focusing on what patients would want regarding effectiveness, duration of the trial, and limiting exposure to side effects. The panel describes the possible use of immunotherapy vaccines, though these are limited due to burden of disease where they might not be as effective. Finally, Castillo discusses the potential of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitions, in combination with targeted agents, such as BCL-2 inhibitors, as well as the use of antibody conjugates in the future treatment of WM.

'The International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF) and the Lymphoma Hub are working in collaboration for patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. This initiative aims to increase awareness of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia among healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, and the patient advocacy community.

This initiative is funded by Cellectar Biosciences, BeiGene and Eli Lilly. All content is developed independently by SES in collaboration with an expert steering committee; funders are allowed no direct influence on the content of the hub.’