A Game-Changer in COVID-19 Prevention for Cancer Patients

A promising breakthrough reveals that a daily nasal spray of interferon-α could substantially lower COVID-19 infection rates among adult cancer patients. This finding stems from a groundbreaking multicenter, randomized trial published in "Clinical Infectious Diseases."

Lead author Dr. Michelle K. Yong, a prominent infectious disease researcher at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Australia, affirmed, "This is the first randomized controlled trial to demonstrate that an intranasal interferon-α spray can effectively prevent COVID-19 in this vulnerable population." She emphasized that despite vaccination efforts, cancer patients are significantly more susceptible to COVID-19 and its severe complications.

Trial Insights: How the Study Worked

The study involved 433 participants, rigorously assigned 1:1 to receive either the interferon-α nasal spray—delivering 40,000 IU daily—or a saline placebo. All participants displayed flu-like symptoms and provided self-collected nasal swabs for polymerase chain reaction testing.

The results were eye-opening: only 8.3% of participants using the interferon-α spray contracted COVID-19, compared to 14.4% in the placebo group (relative risk [RR] = 0.60). Additionally, other respiratory viral infections were similarly reported at a rate of 5.1% in both groups.

Impressive Findings in Subgroups

In a closer analysis of 389 patients, those using the nasal spray saw COVID-19 infection rates drop to 7.7%, whereas the placebo group faced a higher 16% rate (RR = 0.50). Notably, younger participants (under 65), women, and those already vaccinated against COVID-19 exhibited significantly lower infection rates when using the nasal spray.

Safety First: Well-Tolerated Treatment

The nasal spray was found to be both safe and well-tolerated. However, it’s crucial to note that neither group experienced differences in the severity of infections, hospitalization, or mortality rates.

Dr. Monica Slavin, a senior author and head of the Infectious Diseases Department, highlighted the broader implications of this treatment: "A safe, user-friendly nasal spray with extensive antiviral capabilities could benefit not only cancer patients but also other high-risk groups such as transplant recipients, those with chronic conditions, and the elderly." She concluded, "While not a substitute for vaccination, this nasal spray can enhance our prevention strategies and potentially reduce illness, treatment delays, and hospitalizations."