title: Etiology of Waldenström macroglobulinemia: genetic factors and immune-related conditions.
abstract: Epidemiologic studies provide an insight into the etiology of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia, which indicates that repetitive immune stimulation and genetic factors play an important role. Here, the current understanding on the causes of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia are reviewed. Recent studies of the literature are discussed, and future population-based studies are proposed to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie these associations. Finally, the clinical implications of these data are outlined, and perspectives on clinical follow-up and counseling are provided.
authors.affiliation: Multiple Myeloma Section, Metabolism Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Elisabet E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Manasanch
authors.forename: Sigurdur Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Kristinsson
authors.forename: Ola
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Landgren
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008258:Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology