What exactly is PML
I've heard it is cancer of the brain. Is that true? I'm not worried about it, I just want to know finally what it is...
- Resources
5/28/09 10:01am
Hi Maggie,
PML stands for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy which is caused by a reactivitation of a common virus (JC virus) in the central nervous system of immuno-compromised individuals. It is not a cancer but can be fatal.
You can find more information on the National Institutes of Health webpage and on Wikipedia. There is research ongoing which suggests that early treatment with plasmapheresis is effective in more quickly removing Tysabri from the patient's system so that the immune system can fight the JC virus.
10/14/11 6:57pm
Lisa explained it quite nicely and provided some great links too. PML can also occur as a side effect using certain drugs, like Tysabri, Raptiva or Rituxan. The chances are pretty minimal though, according to recent reports. The symptoms of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy PML are very similar to that of MS:
-headaches
-memory loss
-weakness in arms and legs
-vision problems
-dizziness
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By maggieames— Last Modified: 10/14/11, First Published: 05/28/09
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