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.