Advances in PET Imaging for Multiple Myeloma: From Diagnosis to Response Assessment

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains a challenging hematologic malignancy with complex clonal evolution and heterogeneous patient outcomes. The integration of positron emission tomography (PET), particularly with radiopharmaceuticals like [¹⁸F]FDG and novel tracers (e.g., [11C]Methionine, [⁶⁸Ga]Pentixafor), has revolutionized staging, risk-stratification, and response assessment in MM. This imaging modality uniquely visualizes active medullary and extramedullary disease, providing critical prognostic information beyond conventional biomarkers.However, significant questions and opportunities persist. Standardized interpretation criteria (e.g., IMPeTUs) require further validation and refinement. The optimal role of PET in guiding treatment decisions, especially in the era of immunotherapies and minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring, needs definition. Furthermore, the emergence of artificial intelligence and radiomics offers potential for deeper image phenotyping and outcome prediction.This Research Topic aims to consolidate cutting-edge research on PET in MM. We welcome original research, reviews, and methodological papers addressing:• Technical innovations: Novel PET tracers, PET/MRI protocols, and quantitative analysis methods.• Clinical validation: Prognostic value of PET-based metrics, integration with MRD techniques, and comparative studies of different tracers.• Response assessment: Evolving criteria for treatment response and progression, including in clinical trials.• Image analysis: Applications of radiomics and AI for automated lesion detection, risk stratification, and biology correlation.• Therapy guidance: Studies evaluating PET's role in personalizing treatment pathways and assessing early therapeutic response.This collection will provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art, fostering discussion on standardizing and advancing PET's integral role in MM management. Topic editors: Dongchun Hong, Jieqin Lv Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83764/advances-in-pet-imaging-for-multiple-myeloma-from-diagnosis-to-response-assessment