PET in Multiple Myeloma: Evidences, Applications and Perspectives

This onsite course on FDG PET/CT in multiple myeloma is a focused, practice-oriented training programme designed to enhance expertise in metabolic imaging of plasma cell disorders. The course integrates concise lectures, case discussions, and supervised workstation-based interpretation to provide immersive, hands-on learning.
The programme includes a review of the pathophysiology of multiple myeloma and the biological mechanisms underlying FDG uptake. Faculty outline current evidence and guideline recommendations for PET/CT in staging, treatment response assessment, and leasions detection, as well as MRI applications. Participants learn optimal patient preparation, acquisition protocols, and technical considerations that influence image quality and quantitative analysis, including harmonization strategies.  
A central component of the course is interactive case interpretation across diverse disease settings. Attendees analyze studies from patients with smoldering myeloma, newly diagnosed active disease, plasmacytomas. Special attention is given to identifying focal lesions, diffuse bone marrow infiltration, extramedullary and paramedullary disease, and to distinguishing viable tumour from post-treatment changes. 
Structured reporting workshops guide participants in applying standardized interpretation criteria and incorporating metabolic findings into clinically meaningful reports. Correlation with laboratory markers, bone marrow biopsy results, and other imaging modalities reinforces integrated decision-making.

By the end of the course, participants gain practical confidence in accurate interpretation, standardized reporting, and clinical application of FDG PET/CT across the full spectrum of multiple myeloma disease scenarios. 

• To review current clinical indications and guidelines for FDG PET/CT in plasma cell disorders, including staging, response assessment, minimal residual disease evaluation, and relapse detection.

• To develop practical skills in image interpretation across different disease settings, including smoldering myeloma, newly diagnosed active disease, solitary plasmacytoma, treated disease, and relapsed or refractory myeloma.

• To recognize and characterize patterns of disease involvement, such as focal lesions, diffuse bone marrow infiltration, extramedullary disease, and paramedullary extension.

• To identify common pitfalls and artifacts in PET/CT imaging and distinguish active disease from post-therapeutic changes, fractures, inflammation, or infection.

• To apply standardized interpretation and reporting criteria, incorporating semi-quantitative parameters (e.g., SUV measurements) into structured, clinically meaningful reports.

• To integrate PET/CT findings with clinical, laboratory, and histopathological data to support multidisciplinary decision-making.

• To enhance confidence in independent reporting and clinical application of FDG PET/CT in the management of patients with multiple myeloma.

Nuclear Medicine Physicians