Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and natalizumab—unforeseen consequences

JR Berger, IJ Koralnik - New England Journal of Medicine, 2005 - Mass Medical Soc
JR Berger, IJ Koralnik
New England Journal of Medicine, 2005Mass Medical Soc
In this issue of the Journal, there are reports describing in detail three patients in whom
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) developed during treatment with
natalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against α4 integrins. 1–3 These patients
were among 3000 who had participated in clinical trials of natalizumab for the treatment of
multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease. PML is a deadly opportunistic infection of the central
nervous system (CNS) for which there is no specific treatment. It is caused by reactivation of …
In this issue of the Journal, there are reports describing in detail three patients in whom progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) developed during treatment with natalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against α4 integrins.13 These patients were among 3000 who had participated in clinical trials of natalizumab for the treatment of multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease. PML is a deadly opportunistic infection of the central nervous system (CNS) for which there is no specific treatment. It is caused by reactivation of a clinically latent JC polyomavirus infection. This virus infects and destroys oligodendrocytes, leading to multifocal areas of demyelination and . . .
The New England Journal Of Medicine