Interferon-α Nasal Spray Prophylaxis Reduces COVID-19 in Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background We evaluated whether a daily nasal spray of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) would reduce the incidence of COVID-19 or community-acquired respiratory viral infections in adult cancer patients. Methods In this multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, participants were randomized 1:1 to receive daily 40 000 IU IFN-α nasal spray or normal saline placebo. Participants who developed influenza-like symptoms self-collected nasal swabs for PCR testing of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, seasonal coronavirus, picornavirus, human metapneumovirus, and/or SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen testing. Co-primary endpoints were incidence o..