How Recent Advances in Biology of Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia May Affect Therapy Strategy

Purpose of ReviewWaldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. Up to now, therapeutic choice was not influenced by the biological characteristics of the disease. Here, we will review how recent advances in biology in WM may affect therapy strategy.Recent FindingsRecently, WM has been described as a new oncogenic model. MyD88 mutation has been described as a key driver mutation and has functional consequences which could be targeted. Other mutations, such as CXCR4 or TP53, have been reported. These mutations are associated with different clinical presentation, prognosis, and treatment response.SummaryMutational status may influence therapeutic choice in some patients but additional data are required. New targeted therapies are on development.