[Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy under natalizumab. Initial possibilities for risk stratification?].

Natalizumab (Tysabri®) is the first monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) but while treatment is highly efficient, it carries the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Based on reports of confirmed cases of PML, the risk of PML might increase beyond 24 months of treatment. Thus, attempts to stratify patients treated with natalizumab into those carrying higher or lower risk for developing PML are currently being undertaken. Among these strategies JC virus serology might potentially be the first tool available. As a large variety of methods have been published resulting in controversial results for JC virus seroprevalence, standardized testing will be mandatory when applying this method in clinical practice. In addition, risk management strategies for the seropositive majority of patients need to be redefined and optimized further.