The Waldenstrom Digest

August 7, 2026 - Volume 6, Issue 15

Welcome to the WM Digest: a place where you can find vital information and education about Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), hear the latest WM research updates, meet WM community members who share their stories, and get diverse support for managing WM.

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IWMF's mission is to support and educate everyone affected by Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and to improve patient outcomes while advancing the search for a cure.

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In this Issue

Special News

WM Research

Summer Video Series

WM Community

Support

Living Well

Special News

Join Us in Palm Springs, CA

Saturday, October 17 in Palm Springs, CA


For the first time ever: this free, in-person Patient Highlights Session will recap key scientific updates from the 13th International Workshop on Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia (IWWM) into practical takeaways for the WM community.


Get a front-row look at the research shaping the future of treatment and care. Learn More and Register here.

“The patient forum will be an amazing and unique opportunity for WM patients to be brought up to date on the latest research in WM. A summary of the previous three days of presentations from the world’s leading WM researchers will be presented to patients attending this forum. I look forward to joining you in Palm Springs!”


– Paul Kitchen, IWMF Board Chair

WM Research

WM-VOICE Study in the Pre-Proof Stage

The WM-VOICE Study has passed peer review and been accepted for publication! This first international survey of people with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) explores what matters most to patients when choosing treatment options.


Led by Amsterdam UMC in partnership with global patient organizations and funded entirely by the IWMF, the study captures insights from more than 1,450 patients across five countries. Read the journal pre-proof here.


Want the highlights? In a recent IWMF webinar, lead researchers Dr. Josephine Vos and Dr. Anne-Marie Becking discuss key findings and how patient priorities can help shape shared decision-making, clinical trials, and future WM care. Watch the webinar here.

Prof. Minnema Discusses MAGNAZ Study

Prof. Monique Minnema, MD, shares early results from the MAGNAZ study from the European Hematology Association Congress (EHA) 2026.


The MAGNAZ study is a clinical trial for patients with IgM-MGUS and anti-MAG polyneuropathy, a disabling condition that can begin in the feet and make walking increasingly difficult.


Because current treatment options are limited, patients may be especially interested in research exploring whether combining rituximab with zanubrutinib can improve outcomes.


Learn more in her video.

Prof. Monique Minnema, hematologist from University Medical Center Utrecht in Netherlands

Video also available in Dutch.

See more EHA 2026 Videos.

Summer Video Series

Miss the Ed Forum Sessions?

Explore more videos from our signature educational events. This group of videos highlights complementary dimensions of progress in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia: the emergence of early-career researchers, the importance of clinical trials, and the growing role of patient perspectives in shaping research and care.

  1. Trials and Triumphs: Research, Collaboration, and the Patient Voice in WM with diverse panel - Watch Here.
  2. What's Coming Next in Clinical Trials pt. 1 with Prof. Maria Gavriatopoulou - Watch Here.
  3. The Future Arrives in Small Steps: Young ECWM Researchers - Watch Here

Find more videos:



Quiz Results: We are so thrilled about how well you're doing on these quizzes!


  1. WM Basics - the average score is 96%, with 247 responses. You can still take the WM Basics Quiz.
  2. Initial Treatment Options - the average score is 90%, with 89 responses. You can still take the Navigating Initial Treatment Options Quiz.
  3. WM Complications Conversation - the average score is 96%, with 55 responses. You can still take the WM Complications Conversation Quiz.

WM Community

Where Community Meets Expertise: Colorado/Wyoming Support at CBCI

The CO/WY Support Group gathered August 1 at the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute for its annual hybrid meeting, bringing together more than 40 attendees from Colorado and across the country for connection, conversation, and shared support.

 

A highlight was honoring Bill Bass for 20 years of dedicated

volunteer service to IWMF and for helping build a strong, lasting CO/WY community.

Dr. Matous, Kate Mimken, and Dr. Forsberg shared expert

insight on key WM topics, including treatment options, emerging therapies, viscosity, and the benefits of attitude, exercise, and nutrition.

 

IWMF and its support group leaders Cathy Zimmerman and Laura Brice are grateful to the CBCI medical team for generously sharing their time and expertise. For more support group info, scroll down.

Support

WM is a rare disease, but with IWMF, you are never alone

Stay connected through our:


Support & Affinity Groups

Integrative Wellness Classes

LIFELINE Volunteers

Online Discussion Forums

Upcoming IWMF Support

(UK) Bournemouth & District WM Support Group - August 8 at 12pm BST.


Join Bob Perry for a special, in person event (in a forest!) with guest speaker, Dr. Helen McCarthy.


Reach out to Bob: bob5773@hotmail.co.uk


Join the WM Community at Wild Reset Woodlands in New Forest, England.

For more regional support groups, visit our Events Calendar.

Funds Open for U.S. Patients

Need help covering the costs of WM treatment? The patient advocacy organizations listed below offer financial assistance programs to help with copays, premiums, and other out-of-pocket expenses:


Living Well

Movement Matters

Did you know your lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump of its own?Movement and deep breathing help encourage the flow of lymph fluid, which plays an important role in immune system function.

Source: Cleveland Clinic Lymphatic System Guide

Join us for Cardio Flow—a supportive, WM-friendly class designed to help you move your body, connect with your community, and support your overall wellness.


Cardio Flow meets on Thursday August 20 at 1pm ET. Sign up here to receive the Zoom link reminders.

Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients:


  • Boost Mental Health
  • Improve Sleep
  • Reduce Fatigue
  • Strengthen Immune System
  • Decrease Pain
  • Increase Mobility and Strength


Learn more about the benefits of exercise for people with cancer from the National Cancer Institute.

Check out the IWMF's Wellness Calendar for all of August's wellness offerings! Reach out with any wellness-related questions.

Photo of hands holding globe with the text "Your Gateway to the WM Community"

This e-newsletter is a free service to WM community members to share WM related news and events. 


Scam / Phishing Alert: Be skeptical of unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls—even if they appear to come from a trusted organization.


Remember: IWMF will never ask for your password, banking information, or payment through unsolicited emails or text messages. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the IWMF, contact us directly before taking any action.


For more information, email info@IWMF.com or visit www.IWMF.com

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info@iwmf.com | 1-941-927-4963

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