IMWG consensus recommendations on imaging in monoclonal plasma cell disorders

The IMWG present recommendations on imaging both in clinical practice and in the trial setting to help standardise the best imaging methods to use as myeloma patients progress through different disease stages.

Recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma have created a pressing need for accurate disease diagnosis, particularly for detecting bone and bone marrow lesions, which are crucial in guiding treatment decisions. The identification of these lesions often dictates the initiation of treatment, highlighting the importance of timely and precise imaging.

Moreover, the ability to detect minimal residual disease is essential for prognosis determination and treatment planning. This need has underscored the demand for sensitive imaging methods that can effectively assess patient responses to multiple myeloma treatments. For example, low-dose whole-body CT has demonstrated increased sensitivity compared to conventional skeletal surveys in identifying bone disease. This improved detection can lead to adjustments in therapy and disease management, potentially preventing or delaying significant morbidity and mortality associated with skeletal-related events.

Given the array of imaging options available, including conventional skeletal surveys, whole-body CT, PET/CT, and MRI, the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) has established guidelines on the optimal use of these imaging methods at various disease stages. These recommendations aim to standardise imaging practices both within and outside of clinical trials, facilitating the comparison of results across different studies and promoting a unified approach to treating multiple myeloma. By ensuring consistency in imaging protocols, the IMWG hopes to enhance patient outcomes and advance the understanding of myeloma management on a global scale.

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  • IMWG

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