Medical Encyclopedia:
WaldenströM's Macroglobulinemia: Alternative treatment
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Biological therapy or immunotherapy, with the potent, immune system protein interferon alpha, is used to relieve the symptoms of WM. Interferon alpha works by boosting the body's immune response. Interferon can cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and fatigue. It also can cause digestive problems and may affect blood pressure.
The drug rituximab, an antibody that is active against antibody-producing cells, is effective in about 30% of individuals with WM. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody produced in the laboratory. Monoclonal antibody treatment may cause a an allergic reaction in some people.
— J. Ricker Polsdorfer; Margaret Alic, Ph.D.
