Evolution of Management and Outcomes in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia: A Population-Based Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (WM) is a rare lymphoma affecting older patients. Its management largely relies on small phase II trials and it is unclear how their results translate into clinical practice in the community.

Method

We evaluated changes in the presentation, management, and survival among 2,666 Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with WM between 1994 and 2011, using Medicare claims linked to Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results data.

Results

Prevalence of transfusions, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neuropathy at diagnosis significantly increased over time, whereas the use of plasmapheresis was low (2.5%) and stable. The proportion of patients starting chemotherapy within 1 year of WM diagnosis increased from 39% i

SUBMITTER: Olszewski AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5189618 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature