Real-World Study Illuminates Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Outcomes

A recent retrospective study, conducted within The US Oncology Network, offers valuable insights into Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), a rare, indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Analyzing data from over 2500 patients diagnosed between 2014 and 2022, the study aimed to describe demographics, clinical features, and treatment outcomes in a community oncology setting.

The findings, presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting by Alisha Monette Kimble, PhD, MPH, senior outcomes researcher at Ontada, confirmed WM's indolent nature, with a median overall survival (OS) not reached and over 82% of patients alive at the study's conclusion. The Modified Staging System for WM (MSS-WM) effectively stratified survival probabilities, validating its utility in risk assessment. MYD88 L265P and CXCR4 mutations were prevalent, consistent with existing literature.

"Patients that had a higher risk were being shown to have lower mortality rates, increased progression, and so with that, it just helped to validate that utility model that's being used, and at least to promote the continued use of that their research," Kimble explained in the interview.

Treatment patterns largely adhered to NCCN guidelines, with BTK inhibitors and rituximab-based regimensaccounting for 98% of first-line therapies. Importantly, the study highlighted disparities: a higher area deprivation indexcorrelated with poorer OS, shorter time to next treatment, and worse real-world progression-free survival. Patients with a Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≥2 also experienced increased treatment discontinuation and progression to subsequent therapies.

These real-world insights underscore the importance of tailored and equitable care strategies for patients with WM, particularly considering socioeconomic factors and comorbidities that influence outcomes.

REFERENCE:

Kimble A, Robert N, Shi J, et al. Descriptive epidemiology of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM): Demographics, outcomes, and predictors of survival in the US community oncology setting. Presented at: 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting; May 30-June 3, 2025; Chicago, IL. Abstract 7064.