Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in multiple myeloma

Eur J Haematol. 2023 Mar;110(3):322-329. doi: 10.1111/ejh.13909. Epub 2022 Dec 18.

Abstract

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare and often fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by reactivation of the JC virus in the context of immune suppression such as HIV, malignancy, and certain immunomodulatory medications. PML has been reported only rarely in multiple myeloma patients, and its presenting features and natural history in this population are not well known. We describe six cases of PML among multiple myeloma patients treated at our institution between 2013 and 2022, including two that developed on or shortly after treatment with recently developed BCMA-directed immunotherapies.

Keywords: multiple myeloma; progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects
  • JC Virus* / physiology
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal* / diagnosis
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal* / etiology
  • Multiple Myeloma* / complications
  • Multiple Myeloma* / diagnosis
  • Multiple Myeloma* / drug therapy