"WB-DCE-MRI" in Multiple Myeloma as an Independent Prognostic Factor for Disease-free Survival

The main objective of this study is to examine if absence of a satisfactory response on DCE-WB-MRI (see MR criteria of responders section) after completion of HDT followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is an independent prognostic factor for EFS in patients with MM, compared with established ones including beta2-microglobulin and cytogenetic abnormalities. Secondary objectives are to examine if the microcirculation parameters obtained from baseline DCE-WB-MRI have prognostic significance and to examine if early DCE-WB-MRI performed after the induction HDT and before ASCT might also provide independent prognostic information for patient outcome, which might help in patient stratification and be integrated into the response criteria in the future.