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Case Reports
. 2022 Jan;28(1):253-256.
doi: 10.3201/eid2801.204809. Epub 2021 Dec 2.

Atezolizumab Treatment for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Case Reports

Atezolizumab Treatment for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Nicolas Lambert et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Atezolizumab successfully reinvigorated JC virus immunity in a patient in Belgium with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, as demonstrated by clinical, virologic, and radiologic response to treatment. However, the treatment also resulted in immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and life-threatening immune-related adverse events. These conditions were treated with corticosteroids, leading to treatment resistance.

Keywords: Belgium; JC virus; atezolizumab; immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome; immunotherapy; progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; viruses.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Clinical course and evolution of JC virus load in CSF of 77-year-old patient undergoing atezolizumab therapy for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. CSF, cerebrospinal fluid; IRAEs, immune-related adverse events; JCV, JC virus.

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