PML explained
Professor Gavin Giovannoni explains PML in this useful video. What is PML? What are the risks to consider when thinking about Tysabri (or Natalizumab) as a potential treatment?
Did you find this video useful? Leave your comments for Prof. G. below.
millie said on October 25, 2011
If virus negative but have had previous treatment with Mitoxantrone, what are the risks of PML?
Beki said on October 25, 2011
Hi Millie,
Dr Ben Turner says
“I would estimate around 1 in 1000, if you are JC negative you have next to zero risk even if you had mitoxantrone, but you have a 2% risk of converting to JC positive per year, if JC positive then you risk of PML having had mitoxantrone is around 1 in 200.”
And Dr. Ruth Dobson added
“My understanding: you need to have JCV to get PML, i.e the risk of PML IF you remain JCV negative is extremely low.”
So, you need to have JCV to get PML in the first place, and that’s why you have to be tested for it regularly. Hope that helps.
Millie said on October 29, 2011
Thank you. A relief to know that past treatment with Mitoxantrone does not appear to be a problem regarding PML if JCV negative. Millie
Beki said on October 25, 2011
Updated figures are here: http://multiple-sclerosis-research.blogspot.com/2011/10/natalizumab-pml-update-aug-2011.html