Haematologica
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Technetium-99m 2-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile ((99m)Tc-sestamibi) has recently been proposed as a potential tracer in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), as its increased uptake in the bone marrow has been reported as indicator of myeloma activity. We evaluated the role of (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy in the detection of myeloma bone disease in MM and related gammopathies, and also assessed its relationship with clinical status and stage of the disease, focusing in particular on the early follow-up of a small series of MM patients treated with high-dose therapy. ⋯ This study provides additional evidence indicating that (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy closely reflects myeloma disease activity in bone marrow, with very high sensitivity and specificity. (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy is therefore suggested as a reliable new tool for the staging and follow-up of myeloma bone disease.