Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new way to detect tiny traces of cancer that could transform care for patients with a specific type of blood cancer. The breakthrough involves using whole-body MRI scans to find minuscule amounts of myeloma, even when traditional tests show no signs of the disease.
Researchers found that this advanced scanning technique can identify what experts call minimal residue disease - cancer traces so small they escape detection by conventional methods. The discovery provides crucial insights into how well patients respond to treatment and whether they might face a relapse.
Revolutionary scanning technique emerges
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. Sometimes called multiple myeloma because it affects multiple parts of the body, the condition is not considered curable but treatment can control it effectively.
Researchers at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research tracked 70 myeloma patients undergoing stem cell transplants. All participants received whole-body MRI scans before and after their treatment to monitor their progress.
One in three patients show residual disease
Writing in the Blood Cancer Journal, experts revealed that one in three patients showed signs of residual disease on whole-body MRI after treatment. Crucially, this radiation-free scanning method detected cancer that other tests had missed completely.
The study found that overall survival was significantly shorter in patients with positive MRI findings. The Royal Marsden has already adopted the whole-body imaging technique, and it could help shape cancer care for patients across the country.
Patient describes life-extending benefits
Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan, chief fire officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, experienced firsthand how the scanning technique "extended his life". Diagnosed with myeloma in 2009 while serving in the RAF, Monahan has since relapsed twice.
Thanks to whole-body MRI scans, his cancer was detected much earlier than would have been possible with traditional CT scans. The father of three said: "With the constant threat of relapse, myeloma patients are in a long-term mental battle with this insidious disease."
Treatment enables continued service
Monahan explained how being part of the whole-body MRI study allowed his cancer to be closely monitored and treated sooner than normal protocols would permit. "This not only extended my life but after diagnosis, I returned to flying jets and to active operational duties," he said.
The 57-year-old continued serving his country, establishing the first training programme for Ukrainian forces in 2015 and running Nato air operations after the invasion of Ukraine. "This cutting-edge treatment not only extended my life but allowed me to continue serving my country," he added.
Experts hail precision diagnostics breakthrough
Professor Christina Messiou, study chief investigator and consultant radiologist at The Royal Marsden, described the findings as "exciting". She said: "This study shows that whole-body MRI gives us valuable information about how well the myeloma has responded to treatment that other tests may miss."
The professor highlighted that whole-body MRI doesn't involve radiation or intravenous injections, making it ideal for patients requiring lifelong monitoring. "This is an important step towards smarter and kinder precision diagnostics for patients with cancer," she said.
Revolutionary impact on patient care
Professor Martin Kaiser, consultant haematologist at The Royal Marsden, said access to this "gold-standard precision imaging" has revolutionised care for myeloma patients. He noted that as treatment options increase and disease distribution becomes better understood, whole-body MRI's relevance for personalising treatment will only grow.
Around 6,200 people are diagnosed with myeloma each year in the UK. Charity Myeloma UK estimates that approximately 33,000 people are currently living with the condition across the country.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
