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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
10:50
Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo
Published on: March 26, 2019
[Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Undesirable side effect of immunotherapy]
H-P Hartung1, C Warnke, R Hohlfeld
1Neurologische Klinik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland. hans-peter.hartung@uni-duesseldorf.de
Der Nervenarzt
|April 10, 2009
Summary
New cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with natalizumab necessitate a risk-benefit discussion. Strategies for patient selection, early diagnosis, and treatment are crucial for managing natalizumab-associated PML.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Oncology
- Infectious Disease
Context:
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but serious opportunistic infection.
- Natalizumab, a monoclonal antibody, is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Increasing reports of PML in MS patients receiving natalizumab highlight a critical safety concern.
Purpose:
- To critically discuss the risks and benefits of natalizumab immunotherapy in MS patients.
- To review current understanding of PML pathogenesis in natalizumab-treated patients.
- To outline practical consequences, treatment options, and management strategies for PML.
Summary:
- The paper addresses the rising incidence of PML in MS patients undergoing natalizumab therapy.
- It emphasizes the need for careful patient selection based on risk-benefit analysis.
- Key aspects covered include limited therapeutic regimens, early diagnostic criteria (clinical and paraclinical), and future treatment perspectives for PML.
Impact:
- Provides a framework for optimizing patient selection and monitoring to mitigate PML risk.
- Informs clinical decision-making regarding natalizumab use in MS.
- Contributes to the ongoing effort to reduce PML incidence and improve outcomes in treated MS patients.
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