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Lenalidomide‐associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Author(s) -
Nishimura Kazutaka,
Iwai Yuta,
Yabuki Mariko,
Fuse Hiroe,
Nakamichi Kazuo,
Takahashi Kenta,
Suzuki Tadaki,
Saijo Masayuki,
Fukushima Takeshi,
Kuwabara Satoshi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
clinical and experimental neuroimmunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.297
H-Index - 15
ISSN - 1759-1961
DOI - 10.1111/cen3.12606
Subject(s) - lenalidomide , progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy , medicine , thalidomide , leukoencephalopathy , multiple myeloma , brain biopsy , jc virus , magnetic resonance imaging , radiology , immunology , multiple sclerosis
Abstract Background Lenalidomide, an analogue of thalidomide, is frequently used to treat multiple myeloma (MM). Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an infectious disease of the central nervous system caused by the reactivation of the JC polyomavirus. Only a few reports have described PML in patients receiving lenalidomide therapy. Case presentation A 76‐year‐old man with MM presented progressive visual and cognitive impairment during lenalidomide administration. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lesion in the right parietal lobe. Brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PML. Lenalidomide therapy was discontinued, and oral mefloquine was commenced. He was alive more than 1 year later with mild neurologic decline. Conclusions Although rare, lenalidomide‐induced PML should be considered in myeloma patients treated with lenalidomide.