The polyneuropathy associated with Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia can be treated effectively with chemotherapy and the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab

Abstract

A 50-year-old male developed headache, impaired balance, visual defects and severe deafness. Ten months later he presented with markedly reduced power and tremor of his right arm. Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM) with accompanying polyneuropathy was diagnosed. The patient received chemotherapy, which resulted in a partial improvement of the arm tremor. Subsequently, he was treated with rituximab (4 x 375 mg/m2), leading to complete resolution of the tremor and the paresis of his arm. Additionally, his headache and imbalance disappeared. Fifteen months after rituximab therapy he remained free of any neurological symptoms. This is the first report showing that WM-associated polyneuropathy can be treated effectively with a combination of chemotherapy and the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab.