Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
MONDO:0016318Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a neurological disorder that damages the myelin that covers and protects nerves in the white matter of the brain. It is caused by the JC virus (JCV). By age 10, most people have been infected with this virus, but itrarelycauses symptoms unless the immune system becomes severely weakened.The disease occurs, rarely, in organ transplant patients; people undergoing chronic corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy; and individuals with cancer, such as Hodgkins disease, lymphoma, and sarcoidosis. PML is most common among individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Also known as: PML, progressive multifocal leukoencephalitis, leukoencephalopathy, progressive multifocal
21 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types, 19 tagged with Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy itself.
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Lab-Grown immune cells take on dangerous viruses in vulnerable patients
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether specially grown donor immune cells (called cytotoxic T lymphocytes) can safely and effectively control BK and JC virus infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer, HIV, or organ transplants. About 100 participants will rec…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 06, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Supercharged donor cells take on viruses after transplant
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether specially grown donor immune cells (viral-specific T-cells) can safely treat viral infections that often occur after a stem cell transplant. These infections can be serious and sometimes don't respond to standard antiviral drugs. The approach aims to boos…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 06, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Donor immune cells show promise against dangerous viruses in vulnerable patients
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether specially grown immune cells from an unrelated donor can safely treat viral infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as after a stem cell transplant. About 750 participants will receive these cells and be monitored for side effects like inf…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 06, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Experimental drug targets deadly brain virus in small trial
Disease control Recruiting nowThis phase 2 trial tests the safety of brincidofovir, an antiviral drug, in 24 adults with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection caused by the JC virus. Participants receive the drug intravenously twice a week for up to 12 weeks, with follow-up …
Phase 2 • Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 24, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can 'Supercharged' donor cells beat viruses that drugs Can't?
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether giving patients special donor immune cells (called CD45RA-depleted DLI) can treat viral infections that persist after a stem cell transplant. The trial involves 30 participants who have not improved with standard antiviral drugs. Researchers will measure …
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Ruijin Hospital • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:03 UTC
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Banked immune cells show promise against Life-Threatening viruses in transplant patients
Disease control Recruiting nowThis early-phase study tests whether specially trained immune cells from healthy donors can safely treat viral infections (EBV, CMV, adenovirus, BK virus) in patients who have had a stem cell transplant or certain CAR-T therapy. These infections can be life-threatening when the i…
Phase 1 • Sponsor: Baylor College of Medicine • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:07 UTC
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Could immune checkpoint drugs tame a deadly brain virus?
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study is testing whether immune checkpoint inhibitors, drugs that help the immune system fight infections, can improve outcomes for people with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain virus. Researchers will follow 66 patients over a year, measuring di…
Sponsor: Peking Union Medical College Hospital • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:04 UTC
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Experimental T-Cell therapy takes on deadly brain virus
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests a new treatment for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection with no approved therapy. Researchers will give 23 patients donor immune cells that target the virus causing PML. The goal is to see if the treatment is safe, improves ne…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Hannover Medical School • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:04 UTC
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Scientists launch major study to unravel mysteries of rare brain infection PML
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study follows 700 people with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection caused by the JC virus. Researchers will collect blood, spinal fluid, and brain scans over time to understand how the disease progresses. No treatment is given; the goal is…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Sep 02, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Rare brain infection risk under scrutiny for multiple sclerosis drug ozanimod
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study investigates whether the multiple sclerosis medication ozanimod is linked to a higher risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but serious brain infection caused by the John Cunningham virus. Researchers will review reported cases of PML in peop…
Sponsor: Bristol-Myers Squibb • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 31, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New tracer could reveal hidden immune activity in brain diseases
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis pilot study tests whether a radioactive tracer called 89Zr-Df-crefmirlimab can help PET scans detect certain immune cells (CD8+ T cells) in the brain and spinal cord of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). About 15 adults w…
Phase 1 • Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:03 UTC