Researchers have developed a groundbreaking diagnostic method using whole-body MRI scans that can detect minimal residual disease in myeloma patients, significantly enhancing patient care.

This innovative technique can identify small traces of cancer even when traditional methods like blood tests and CT scans show no signs of the disease.

Monahan's experience underscores the practical benefits of this technique, as he noted that the MRI scans have extended his life and enabled him to serve in active roles.

Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a blood cancer that originates from plasma cells in the bone marrow and is considered incurable but manageable with treatment.

A study conducted at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust tracked 70 myeloma patients undergoing stem cell transplants, revealing that one in three had signs of residual disease detected by whole-body MRI after treatment.

In the UK, approximately 6,200 new myeloma cases are diagnosed annually, with an estimated 33,000 individuals currently living with the disease.

The whole-body MRI scans provide crucial insights into patient response to treatment and potential relapse risks, allowing for more personalized care.

Professor Christina Messiou emphasized that this standardized, non-invasive method avoids radiation exposure while delivering valuable information on treatment responses.

Professor Martin Kaiser highlighted the increasing importance of whole-body MRI in personalizing treatment for myeloma patients as their treatment options continue to expand.

Experts believe that the whole-body MRI technique will shape future cancer care across the UK, providing critical insights into treatment response that traditional methods may miss.

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust has implemented this whole-body MRI technique, which is crucial for patients needing long-term monitoring without radiation exposure.

Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan, a myeloma patient, credited the whole-body MRI scans for early detection of his cancer, which allowed him to continue his military service after treatment.