Evaluation of serial bone X-ray examination in multiple myeloma.
Fifteen patients with multiple myeloma stage III were treated with a combination of cytostatics and plasmapheresis in a sequential trial running for 60 weeks. Thirteen patients showed clinical improvement and ten a reduction of their myeloma protein by at least 50%. Bone X-ray examination was performed every 15 weeks. Progression of bone lesions was seen in one patient, whereas the radiographic picture was unchanged in the others. It is concluded that bone X-ray, although essential in the diagnosis and staging of multiple myeloma, is not suitable for the monitoring of patients during treatment.
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents