Progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy (PML)

June 2007     View PDF     En español

The bottom line

• PML is a rare condition affecting the brain, caused by the JC virus.
• PML is difficult to diagnose, definitive diagnosis requires a brain biopsy.
• JC virus DNA levels in cerebral spinal fluid are prognostic. Higher levels relate to more aggressive disease.
• Using potent anti-HIV therapy, including a protease inhibitor, has had a profound positive effect on treating PML.
• Using a protease inhibitor after a PML diagnosis, as well as changing to a new anti-HIV regimen with a protease inhibitor, has resulted in quadrupling the survival rates of some people living ten years or more after a PML diagnosis.
• A new study shows that “enhanced” anti-HIV therapy, or adding the drug enfuvirtide to a regimen, may be very promising. Whether or not adding newer classes of drugs, like integrase inhibitors, are equally promising has yet to be seen.
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