Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after fludarabine therapy for low-grade lymphoproliferative disease

Marie C. Hogan, Augustine Lee, Lawrence A. Solberg, Stephan D. Thom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fludarabine is becoming the initial therapy for low-grade lymphoproliferative malignancies, such as CLL and follicular lymphoma. Fludarabine is highly immunosuppressive in addition to being myelosuppressive and has been associated with neurotoxicity. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an infection with JC virus of the white matter of the central nervous system seen mostly in immunosuppressed patients. We describe two patients treated with fludarabine who developed PML. Immunolabeling was positive for JCV in both patients, but PCR was repeatedly negative in one of them. We suggest that fludarabine may increase the risk of PML in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)51-54
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican journal of hematology
Volume70
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

Keywords

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • Fludarabine
  • JC virus
  • Lymphoproliferative diseases
  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology

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