Study of Interferon-gamma Added to Antifungal Treatment for Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis to Improve Patient Outcomes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of interferon-gamma as an additional treatment to improve outcomes in people with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis CPA, a progressive lung infection caused by the fungus Aspergillus. CPA mainly affects individuals with chronic lung diseases like COPD or those previously treated for tuberculosis. This condition causes gradual lung tissue damage, frequent infections, and reduced quality of life, often going unrecognized for years. Current treatment relies on prolonged antifungal use, but many patients do not respond well, and better treatment options are needed. This phase 2 study aims to gather preliminary data on interferon-gammas tolerability and potential benefits in CPA patients. Participants who have recently started oral antifungal treatment for CPA are randomly assigned to receive either antifungals alone or antifungals plus interferon-gamma injections three times a week for 12 weeks. The interferon-gamma dose is 50 micrograms per square meter of body surface area given subcutaneously. Both groups will continue antifungal therapy as per routine care. The study will assess changes in lung cavity size using chest CT scans and quality of life through questionnaires. Treatment tolerability will be monitored at intervals similar to regular clinical practice. During the study, participants will undergo chest CT scans and complete quality-of-life assessments at various time points up to six months. Researchers will track lung disease flare-ups and hospital admissions. The primary outcomes include the number of participants who complete the intervention and changes in cavity wall thickness on CT scans. Secondary outcomes include changes in respiratory health questionnaire scores and frequency of lung exacerbations. Study participation may last up to one year, with data collected to inform a larger future trial if results are promising.

Interferon-gamma as Adjunctive Therapy in Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: a Randomised Feasibility Study