A recent review publication from the experts at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston summarizes the most common adverse effects that occur during treatment. The article was published in the journal, “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety”.
A summary box in the publication states:
- There are several effective and safe options for the treatment of Waldenström macroglobulinemia although patients should be closely monitored during therapy for the emergence of treatment-specific side effects.
- Reduction in the number of rituximab-bendamustine treatment cycles may prevent toxicity without compromising disease outcomes.
- The frequency of bortezomib dosing and the manner of administration can be altered to decrease the risk of peripheral neuropathy in patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
- Patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia have a unique side effect profile associated with rituximab, including increased risk of rituximab intolerance and IgM flares.
- Ibrutinib is an effective treatment for Waldenström macroglobulinemia with a medically manageable side effect profile that includes atrial fibrillation and bleeding. Newer BTK inhibitors such as zanubrutinib and acalabrutinib show similar activity levels with differences in side-effect profile.
You can read or download the paper here. It may be useful during discussions with your oncologist/hematologist.