While there’s evidence that plasma exchange clears natalizumab (Neurology. 2009 Feb 3;72[5]:402-9), “there’s no study that demonstrates it’s in the patient’s best interest,” Dr. Berger said during his presentation. He noted that a retrospective study found no improvement in morbidity or mortality (Neurology. 2017 Mar 21;88[12];1144-52).
Multiple strategies to treat PML – including immunizations and inhibitors of DNA replication – have failed to make an impact so far, Dr. Berger said. According to him, the reasons for the failure of PML treatment are a lack of hard evidence, apart from anecdotal, to support them, based on a history of failed clinical trials.
Dr. Berger disclosed serving as a consultant for numerous pharmaceutical companies.