Monitoring

Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia is a chronic disease that requires life-long follow-up. The frequency of follow-up is variable and depends on many factors such as the presence of symptoms, the extent of disease, and the type and frequency of chemotherapy.

Asymptomatic patients do not require treatment. Close observation (e.g., follow-up every 3-6 months) is recommended.[38][39]​​[45]

Symptomatic patients undergoing active treatment may have more frequent visits depending on the type of treatment and comorbidities.

Typical tests used to monitor disease include full blood count with differential, comprehensive metabolic panel (urea, creatinine, electrolytes, albumin, liver function tests [LFTs]), serum quantitative immunoglobulins, and serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation.[39]​ Imaging or bone marrow evaluation may be carried out as clinically indicated.

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