The right immune-modulation at the right time: thymosin α1 for prevention of severe COVID-19 in cancer patients.

Future oncology (London, England)2021PMID: 33538178

View on PubMed DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0754

Plain Language Summary

This paper presents the rationale for the PROTHYMOS clinical trial, which tests thymosin alpha-1 as a preventive treatment against severe COVID-19 in cancer patients undergoing active therapy. Cancer patients face heightened vulnerability to the virus, and the authors argue that thymosin alpha-1's immune-modulating properties could protect this fragile population. The study may also inform future strategies combining thymosin alpha-1 with COVID-19 vaccines to enhance their effectiveness in immunocompromised individuals.

Abstract

We presented the rationale for the use of thymosin α1 as prophylaxis of severe COVID-19 in cancer patients undergoing active treatment, constituting the background for the PROTHYMOS study, a prospective, multicenter, open-label, Phase II randomized study, currently in its start-up phase (Eudract no. 2020-006020-13). We aim to offer new hope for this incurable disease, especially to frail patient population, such as patients with cancer. The hypothesis of an effective prophylactic approach to COVID-19 would have immediate clinical relevance, especially given the lack of curative approaches. Moreover, in the 'COVID-19 vaccine race era' both clinical and biological results coming from the PROTHYMOS trials could even support the rationale for future combinatorial approaches, trying to rise vaccine efficacy in frail individuals.

Authors

Bersanelli, Melissa; Giannarelli, Diana; Leonetti, Alessandro; Buti, Sebastiano; Tiseo, Marcello; Nouvenne, Antonio; Ticinesi, Andrea; Meschi, Tiziana; Procopio, Giuseppe; Danielli, Riccardo

Keywords

COVID-19SARS-CoV-2cancercancer patientspreventionprophylaxisvaccination