Natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: successful treatment without plasma exchange and its associated risks

Maloney, Eimer; Molloy, Anna; Hussona, Mariam Al; O'donnell, L. J. D.; Killeen, Ronan P.; McGuigan, Christopher

doi:10.1007/s00415-016-8372-0

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 11 publications

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“…There are small case series showing the efficacy of maroviroc (a CCR5 antagonist) for the treatment of PML-IRIS 58,59. A more detailed discussion regarding the approach to treatment of natalizumab-associated PML is beyond the scope of this review but is available elsewhere 54,57,60,61…”

Section: Natalizumab Safety and Tolerabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of natalizumab for multiple sclerosis

Brandstadter¹,

Sand²

2017

NDT

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Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that acts as an α4 integrin antagonist to prevent leukocyte trafficking into the central nervous system. It is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Natalizumab demonstrated high efficacy in Phase III trials by reducing the annualized relapse rate, preventing multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion accumulation on magnetic resonance imaging, and decreasing the probability of sustained progression of disability. The leading safety concern with natalizumab is its association with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection typically seen only in severely immunocompromised patients caused by reactivation of the John Cunningham virus (JCV). Careful analysis of risk factors for PML in natalizumab-treated MS patients, specifi-cally the presence of anti-JCV antibodies, has led to risk mitigation strategies to improve safety. Additional biomarkers are under investigation to further aid risk stratification. Natalizumab’s high efficacy and favorable tolerability profile have led to a broad use by MS physicians, as both first-and second-line treatments. This review discusses the natalizumab efficacy, safety, and tolerability and finishes with pragmatic considerations regarding its use in clinical practice.

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