Historically, treatment options have been limited. Because of the rarity of the disease and the lack of a formally established protocol, physicians around the world have utilized different therapies for WM patients. Several regimens—applied alone or combined in hopes of a synergistic response—have been found effective, but only for limited periods of time. Typically three classes of drugs have been used against WM, including alkylating agents, such as Chlorambucil and Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide); nucleoside analogues, such as Fludarabine and Cladribine (2CDA); and more recently, monoclonal antibodies, such as Rituxan (rituximab). In addition to these, there are other drugs and therapies, which have been tried with varying degrees of success.

No treatment currently available promises to cure WM. At best, the goal has been to mitigate the destructive impact of the disease, and to convert WM into a chronic disease to be treated over the course of a patient's life.

In the past, advances in treatment for WM relied on studies conducted for other forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Only recently have clinical trials taken place specifically on treatments for WM, funded through private organizations such as the Research Fund for Waldenstrom's, Ltd. (RFW), as well as medical research centers, and pharmaceutical companies.

All WM patients should discuss treatment options with their physicians.

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