Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) Clinical Trials

Waldenström Macroglobulinemia is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma arising from malignant B-lymphocytes (specifically, lymphoplasmacytic cells) that produce large quantities of monoclonal IgM, a high-molecular-weight immunoglobulin. The buildup of this protein in the blood causes hyperviscosity syndrome, which can lead to serious complications including vision loss, neurological symptoms, and bleeding. The excess IgM can deposit in various tissues, causing cryoglobulinemia (cold-precipitating immune complexes) that damages blood vessels and tissues.

The most common symptoms of Waldenström Macroglobulinemia include Fatigue and weakness, Bleeding or bruising easily, Blurred or cloudy vision, Headaches and dizziness, Numbness, tingling, or neuropathy in hands and feet, among others. Approximately 1,500 new cases per year in the United States; median age of diagnosis is 68 years. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia from ClinicalTrials.gov, with eligibility criteria translated into plain English. Patients can filter by trial phase and recruitment status, search by location, and use the Match Me tool to score trials against their profile. Multiple clinical trials are exploring novel therapeutic approaches for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, including targeted inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), BCL-2 inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, and immunotherapeutic approaches. Trials are also investigating combinations of therapies and personalized treatment approaches based on MYD88 mutation status.

Yes. As of October 21, 2026, 2 FDA-approved medicines have a current label that names Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: Brukinsa (zanubrutinib); and Imbruvica (ibrutinib). Corticosteroids and immune globulins count once each.

Waldenström Macroglobulinemia arises from acquired (somatic) genetic changes in the affected cells, commonly involving MYD88 and CXCR4, rather than from an inherited variant. Most cases carry the somatic MYD88 L265P variant and 30-40% a CXCR4 variant in the tumor cells only; neither is inherited. Approximately 1,500 new cases per year in the United States; median age of diagnosis is 68 years.

For Waldenström Macroglobulinemia the genetic testing that matters is usually of the tumor or affected blood cells rather than inherited DNA, looking for MYD88 and CXCR4. Most cases carry the somatic MYD88 L265P variant and 30-40% a CXCR4 variant in the tumor cells only; neither is inherited.

Those results guide treatment choice and are often the entry requirement for targeted-therapy trials, so ask whether the biopsy was sent for molecular testing and request the report. The Genetic Testing section of this page lists laboratories in the NIH Genetic Testing Registry.

Eligibility for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia clinical trials depends on factors like age, diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. Each trial sets its own inclusion and exclusion criteria. Trial Friend translates these requirements from medical language into plain English so patients can review them more easily. The Match Me tool can score your profile against active trials to help identify studies that may be a fit.

Participating in a Waldenström Macroglobulinemia clinical trial typically involves scheduled visits, medical tests, and close monitoring by a research team. Depending on the study phase, you may receive an investigational treatment, a placebo, or the current standard of care. Trials may last from a few weeks to several years. Study participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.