Induction of complete haematological remission after monotherapy with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (RITUXIMAB) in a patient with alkylating agent resistant waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia

Response of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia to chemotherapy with alkylatin g agents is usually only transient. We report a case with marked bone marro w involvement and resistance to chemotherapy with alkylating agents. The pa tient was red cell and platelet transfusion dependent. Three weeks after ri tuximab-monotherapy, he achieved a complete haematological remission which is continuing 6 months after the end of therapy. Our case demonstrates that treatment with the unconjugated anti-CD20-monoclonal antibody (rituximab) may be a new powerful tool for a better treatment of Waldenstrom's macroglo bulinaemia.