Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM): Anyone on zanubrutinib (Brukinsa)?

Posted by teachpeace @teachpeace, Sep 29, 2024

My dad has had this diagnosis for years. He is 86 years old. He Was treated with “infusions” forever…idk the name of med. Recently however..a new oncologist prescribed zanubrutinib…2pills twice per day. I believe the highest dose but I could be wrong.
After 1.5 weeks my dad couldn’t tolerate the side effects any longer. He lost his appetite, a significant amount of weight, he had Chills, and extreme fatigue.
Doc has since taken my dad off the meds and will see him next week.
Soooo…..does anyone have any experience with a similar situation? Thank you in advance
Am I crazy to request he go back on the infusions?

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Does anyone have Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Are you taking the medication Brukinska. Is it working OK for you. I understand it is a rare cancer. Thank you.

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Profile picture for jam5 @jam5

What minimal side effects have you experienced?

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I still am anemic and have fatigue with little internal drive or energy although the level of my fatigue and internal drive have gotten slightly better. I need to be on the watch for periods of constipation which I treat with eating plums.

This past winter, I was hospitalized with a very stubborn case of pneumonia which took up reidence in both of my lungs as well as in my blood. My 'hematologist/oncologist team' informed me that a very rare side effect was that Zanurutinib (Brukinsa), they felt, was likely the crux of my pneumonia. I have no conclusive evidence either way.

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Profile picture for ranchgal4sure @ranchgal4sure

I'm 68 years young and diagnosed with Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia 8 months ago. My oncologists/hematologists started me on Brukinsa (Zanubrutinib) at the time of diagnosis. Same dose as murray3 (4 capsules of 80 mg) daily.
I tolerate Brukinsa very well and it's helped my IgM value significantly. While still very high it's half what is was before Brukinsa.
Before diagnosis, my symptoms of WM were fatigue, rapid heart rate when doing physical tasks, fainting (with little warning), anemia and peripheral neuropathy. While rapid heart rate and fainting have (thankfully) subsided I still have low-moderate anemia and neuropathy (fingers & toes mostly). I received IV Iron once per week for 4-weeks which helped with anemia - the neuropathy is manageable (I use handwarmers - and heating pad for my feet) which helps with pain, numbness, tingling and cold in my extremities.
My Medical Team (UCSF & Sutter) feels good about the effectiveness of Brukinsa and my body's response - indeed I'm trending in the right direction 🙂

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I am glad to hear that Brukinsa (Zanubrutinib) appears to have your WM under control currently. With respect to your peripheral neuropathy (which I also had), you might like to locate a Doctor of Acupuncture from whom you can receive regular weekly manual and electro-acupuncture treatments. These treatments worked marvellously for me. The sooner you are able to set up regular weekly acupuncture sessions for yourself, the more effective the treatment will be.

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Profile picture for murray3 @murray3

I am 75 and have been on Zanubrutinib since November 2023 … so nearly a year. I take 4-80mg capsules of Zanubrutinib per day and have experienced minimal side effects. My paraprotein levels, already high, have not increased since being on Zanubrutinib; however, those levels have not decreased any while being on Zanubrutinib. My cancer is stable is perhaps the most appropriate description.

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I'm 68 years young and diagnosed with Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia 8 months ago. My oncologists/hematologists started me on Brukinsa (Zanubrutinib) at the time of diagnosis. Same dose as murray3 (4 capsules of 80 mg) daily.
I tolerate Brukinsa very well and it's helped my IgM value significantly. While still very high it's half what is was before Brukinsa.
Before diagnosis, my symptoms of WM were fatigue, rapid heart rate when doing physical tasks, fainting (with little warning), anemia and peripheral neuropathy. While rapid heart rate and fainting have (thankfully) subsided I still have low-moderate anemia and neuropathy (fingers & toes mostly). I received IV Iron once per week for 4-weeks which helped with anemia - the neuropathy is manageable (I use handwarmers - and heating pad for my feet) which helps with pain, numbness, tingling and cold in my extremities.
My Medical Team (UCSF & Sutter) feels good about the effectiveness of Brukinsa and my body's response - indeed I'm trending in the right direction 🙂

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Profile picture for Alice @abercairn09

would you be kind enough to provide the link to I.W.M.F. please.
I have Waldrenstroms.

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Hello Puddy @cookegmailcom, I'm glad to see you have connected with @ejrquast. Here is the link to the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation:
https://iwmf.com/.

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Profile picture for ejrquast @ejrquast

I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s side effects to Zanubrutinib. I recommend you contact the I.W.M.F. (International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation) for support. I happen to be a support group co-leader for MN/W.WI. and can direct you and your parents to links that would be helpful. If you would like to communicate privately, please send a private message.
I am aware that oncologists are cautious about recommending a treatment for those of us considered frail, as we can experience side effects that younger patients may not experience.
Thank you for reaching out for direction and support.
Eunice

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would you be kind enough to provide the link to I.W.M.F. please.
I have Waldrenstroms.

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I am on Brukinsa and infusions of Ruxience, octigam and dexamethosone. The Brukinsa was giving me very base side effects so doc lowered dosage. Diagnosed with Waldenstroms 1 1/2 years ago

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Doc hasn’t returned call. I stopped taking the Brukinsa and diarrhea seems beer. Nobody knowdown side off stopping this med?

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So sorry to hear that..I didn't know Brukinsa could have this side effect...did you contact your doc? Also wondering if anyone on Brukinsa has had any stomach pain...I've had severe pain since November...it eases but then returns...doc's don't think its from the meds but I wonder? Any suggestions is great appreciated!

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