May 29, 2026 - Volume 6, Issue 10 | | Welcome to the WM Weekly: 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. | | | | The IWMF mission statement is to support and educate everyone affected by Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) to improve patient outcomes while advancing the search for a cure. | | | Events | | WM Research | | WM Community | | Webinars | | Support | | Living Well with WM | | | IWMF CEO Headed to ASCO 2026 | | |
The hybrid, five-day event features over 200 sessions covering the latest cancer research, treatments, and patient care through scientific presentations, expert insights, and professional networking.
Featured 2026 Waldenstrom Abstracts Include:
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Iopofosine Abstract 7094 (CLOVER-WaM trial): Evaluates the safety and efficacy of Iopofosine I-131, a novel targeted radiotherapeutic, for patients whose disease progressed after BTK inhibitor therapy.
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BeOne Portfolio Presentations: Showcases multi-year follow-up data on next-generation covalent BTK inhibitors, emphasizing long-term disease control and lower cardiac toxicity.
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Real-World Treatment Patterns & Costs: Abstract e121339 (Poster Session) looks at healthcare resource utilization, real-world treatment pathways, and the associated economic burden for patients initiating therapy for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia in community and institutional oncology settings.
IWMF President and CEO Delora Senft will be there to meet with leaders in the blood cancer community. Stay tuned for more!
| | IWMF Attends Haematology Patient and Carers Congress in London | | Hannah Mobarak, IWMF's Global Partner Manager, gathered a group of U.K. WM patients with Professor Shirley D'Sa at the recent HPCC meeting in London. | | |
"The Sanius team hosted an exceptional HPCC meeting in London. Thank you to Sanius for inviting IWMF to run a dedicated WM session at the meeting, and a special thank you to Prof. Shirley D'Sa for sharing her time and expertise with the group. It was so lovely to connect with the community in person," writes Hannah Mobarak, IWMF's Global Partner Manager, direct from the Haematology Patient and Carers Congress (HPCC 2026) in London last week.
Hannah facilitated the patient panel during a fireside chat with Professor Shirley D'Sa on "Understanding your WM journey," while also spreading the word about our organization at IWMF in the exhibition area. In the spirit of fostering connection, she was able to gather together WM patients in the UK for a quick group shot alongside Prof. D'Sa.
Hannah wants to remind you to save the date for IWMF's 2027 European Educational Forum on April 15 in Oxford, UK!
| | Hannah's Next Stop: Stockholm's EHA2026 | | |
The IWMF will be attending the European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Congress in Stockholm from June 11–14, joining global leaders in blood cancer research and care. (EHA2026 Info.)
Representing the WM community, IWMF's Global Partner Manager Hannah Mobarak will connect with international physicians, researchers, and advocacy organizations while sharing IWMF educational resources and strengthening global partnerships. Our presence at EHA 2026 ensures that the voices of WM patients are heard by global healthcare leaders.
| When Can We See Ed Forum Videos? | | |
Want to watch sessions from both the European and U.S. Ed Forum?
For the U.S. Ed Forum on EventMobi: The unofficial recordings are available in EventMobi to our in-person and virtual attendees until the end of 2026. To view the recordings now, log into EventMobi, either online or in the mobile app. Go to the agenda and click on any "Live Stream" session.
(If you don't have EventMobi) For U.S. Ed Forum and European Ed Forum on YouTube: We are in the process of editing recordings for official release to our YouTube channel beginning June 12. We'll be releasing the videos in themed segments over the course of the summer. We believe the slower release of videos will allow the WM community proper time to savor this exceptional content.
Plus: stay tuned for "watch sessions" where we'll watch the session together as a community, and invite the expert back to answer your questions live!
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A Reminder of the Incredible Research Momentum Happening through WM-NET
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Founded in 2024, WM-NET brings together 27 leading academic medical centers with one goal: accelerating progress in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) through collaboration, innovation, and patient-focused research.
Supported by IWMF, WM-NET is already leading five groundbreaking clinical trials that are helping shape the future of WM treatment:
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Loncastuximab tesirine: the world’s first antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) trial in WM
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ZEBRA (zanubrutinib, bendamustine, rituximab): the first U.S. triple-combination trial for newly diagnosed WM patients
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Epcoritamab: the first anti-CD20 bispecific antibody trial in WM
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PROVEN (pirtobrutinib, venetoclax, rituximab): the world’s first fixed-duration, non-chemotherapy triple-combination trial in WM
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Etentamig: the first anti-BCMA bispecific antibody trial in WM
Several studies are already nearing full enrollment, highlighting the momentum behind WM-NET’s mission to expand treatment options and improve outcomes for patients living with WM.
To learn more about the Clinical Trials being conducted via WM-NET, visit WM-NET.org.
| | Navigating Loss, Embracing New Beginnings | Anita Lawson makes a new life at age 72 | "I’m thankful to say that my WM status hasn’t changed at all! Imbruvica is still working for me (more than 12 years now), and I continue to be grateful for that, when so many have needed to move on to newer BTK inhibitors."
Read Anita's Full Story of Hope | Global Community, Local Connections | | |
One of the most beautiful aspects of our international community is how it connects us across continents—and occasionally, those global connections bring us face-to-face in the most unexpected places!
Since the founding of IWMF's LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, members Gene Batiste (Group Co-Leader), Lucie Bauer, and Annie Kiermaier have shared space, support, and stories in a purely virtual setting. Because the group spans the globe, online meetings are usually the only way to connect.
| | Left to Right: Lucie, Scott, Gene, and Annie dining together in Greece | | |
But during last month's virtual meeting, a delightful surprise came to light: Gene, Lucie, and Annie—along with Gene's husband, Scott Honeychurch—were all planning separate travels to Greece, with their itineraries overlapping in Athens at the exact same time!
Turning a happy coincidence into a lifelong memory, the group met up for dinner on May 9 at a restaurant in the heart of Athens. It marked the very first time these dedicated affinity group members were able to laugh, share a meal, and connect in person.
It’s a beautiful reminder that while our paths are unique, the bonds formed within our support community are deeply real—and can bridge any distance.
| | Beyond Medical Care from Triage Cancer | | |
Join IWMF partner, Triage Cancer, for a FREE webinar on Tuesday, June 23, at 1:00pm EDT. This session will focus on practical resources and actionable steps to navigate life after a serious medical diagnosis.
Register here for the program, led by Triage Cancer Staff Attorney, Susan Yoon, Esq.
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Attendees will learn about financial and legal assistance options, mental health services, patient advocacy and navigation support, and other valuable resources.
The webinar will also share tips for working with financial planners and completing essential paperwork to access available benefits.
Triage's ongoing educational webinar series discusses the practical and legal issues impacting people beyond diagnosis.
| | WM Specialist Visits Local NC Support Group | | | | |
We are excited to share the recording from IWMF's April 26 North Carolina Support Group.
Dr. Christopher Dittus, WM Specialist and Lymphoma Program Clinical Director at UNC Chapel Hill, joined the group to share his expertise and updates.
Dr. Dittus specializes in the treatment and research of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and related IgM disorders.
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Core presentation highlights:
- Understanding the diagnosis
- Managing hyperviscosity
- Frontline vs. relapsed therapies
- The next frontier in clinical trials
Click here to view the recording, or press the play button above!
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Upcoming IWMF Affinity & Support
Group Meetings
| | WM Caregivers Support Group - Thursday June 4 at 2:00pm EDT. Join our support group for WM caregivers and care partners. This meeting is open to all those supporting others with WM, as well as those living with WM themselves who are caregivers. Sign up here. | | |
WM People of Color Affinity Group - June 5 at 1:00pm EDT. Join Paula and Mike for a sharing discussion. Contact office@iwmf.com to be added to the mailing list.
TP53 Affinity Group - June 14 at 6:00pm EDT. Join group leader Jane for a group discussion on information learned about the TP53 gene mutation at IWMF's 2026 Columbus Ed Forum. Register to join this new group.
LGBTQ+ Affinity Group - June 18 at 3:00pm EDT. Group leaders Gene and Jane will host a sharing discussion. Email office@iwmf.com to be added to the mailing list.
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WM Support Ireland In Person Meeting - June 20 at 10:00am Irish Standard Time. Bob Perry is hosting a second face-to-face meeting in Ireland this year. Register here
For any questions contact: bob5773@hotmail.co.uk
| View our full calendar of events here. | | Funds Open for U.S. Patients | | Laugh for the Health of It | | |
Did you know? Recent research shows that laughter can significantly improve the quality of life of cancer patients by addressing both physical and mental well-being.
Laughter can:
- Enhance mental well-being
- Strengthen immune systems
- Improve social connections
- Boost self-confidence
Get more laughter in your life with instructor Betsy Mercer. Join us on Tuesday June 2 at 12pm EDT. Betsy looks forward to sharing the documented physical and mental health benefits of Laughter yoga with the WM community, including caregivers.
Betsy's mother, a WM patient, lived to the age of 92. When Betsy received her own WM diagnosis in 2010, she decided to do something different with her life, and got certified as a laughter yoga instructor.
Sign up for Laughter class on June 2 here.
| | Join Us for June Wellness | | |
Interested in joining IWMF’s global wellness community for patients and care partners?
✔️ Sign up to receive everything our Integrative Wellness Program has to offer in our monthly newsletter that comes out at the beginning of each month.
✔️ Explore the IWMF Wellness Calendar and drop into an upcoming class.
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Check out the June calendar above - click for the PDF. Each class title takes you to its' respective sign up page.
Note: all times listed in Eastern Time (EDT).
| | Wellness Questions? Please reach out to our Director of Integrative Wellness and Patient Communications, Ann MacMullan. | | The Waldenstrom's Weekly is a free service to WM community members to share WM related news and events. Click on "download photos" at the top to view all content. For more information, email info@IWMF.com or visit www.IWMF.com | |
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Please note our new mailing address:
IWMF, 1449 S Michigan Ave STE 13329 Chicago, IL 60605
info@iwmf.com | 1-941-927-4963 | | | | |
