Assessing minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma using non-invasive methods

Non-Invasive Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Assessment in Multiple Myeloma Via Functional Imaging and Liquid Biopsy

Observational Columbia University · NCT05625971

This study is testing whether new non-invasive methods, like blood tests and whole body MRI, can help doctors check for leftover cancer in people with multiple myeloma instead of using traditional bone marrow biopsies.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment88 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsCyclophosphamide
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05625971 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the sensitivity and accuracy of non-invasive methods for assessing minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with newly diagnosed and previously treated multiple myeloma. It utilizes liquid biopsy to detect circulating tumor cells and functional imaging through whole body MRI to identify focal myeloma lesions. The goal is to determine if these non-invasive techniques can replace traditional bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for MRD assessment. By comparing these methods to the gold standard, the study aims to provide reliable alternatives for MRD evaluation in clinical practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma or those with previously treated myeloma having undergone a maximum of two prior lines of therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot undergo MRI due to contraindications or those without the cognitive capacity to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive and more accessible method for monitoring minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there is a growing interest in non-invasive MRD assessment, this study aims to provide prospective data, making it a novel approach in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults age ≥18 years
* Patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
* Patients with previously treated multiple myeloma with a maximum of two prior lines of therapy
* Expected life expectancy of greater than one year and intention to start a new line of treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients without cognitive capacity to give informed consent for participation
* Patients with contraindications to MRI, which include the following:
* Claustrophobia, which, at investigator's discretion, would prohibit patient from undergoing whole body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (WB-DWI)
* Pacemaker
* Metallic implants, which would prohibit patient from undergoing MRI All subjects will be screened for any contraindication to MRI as per their guidelines at the time of patient enrollment.
* Patients must not receive granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) injection within 1 week prior to WB-DWI.
* Patients must not have been initiated on treatment prior to baseline disease assessment by bone marrow aspiration/biopsy and/or WB-DWI Up to 160 mg of dexamethasone (or equivalent) and/or 1 dose of bortezomib (+/- Cyclophosphamide-Dexamethasone) is allowed prior to disease assessment by bone marrow aspiration and WB-DWI.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions MyelomaLiquid biopsyMinimal Residual DiseaseFunctional imaging
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.