Could You Help Transform the Future of CPA Treatment?

Join the INCAS Trial at the National Aspergillosis Centre

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) and are starting antifungal treatment, you may be eligible to take part in a pioneering clinical trial that could shape the future of care. If that is the case we will approach you to ask if you would like to join.

CPA is a long-term lung infection caused by the fungus Aspergillus, often in people with conditions like COPD or previous tuberculosis. It leads to progressive lung damage, frequent infections, and significant impact on quality of life. Current antifungal treatments help only about 60% of patients, and many face relapses, side effects, and long-term medication use.

The INCAS trial is testing whether adding a naturally occurring immune protein called interferon-gamma to standard antifungal therapy can lead to better outcomes — fewer infections, less lung damage, and improved day-to-day wellbeing. Interferon-gamma is already used safely in the NHS for other conditions, and early research at the National Aspergillosis Centre (NAC) has shown promising results for CPA.

What Is Involved?

If you choose to take part:

• You’ll continue with standard antifungal treatment

• You may be randomly assigned to receive interferon-gamma injections for 12 weeks (3 injections per week)

• You’ll receive regular follow-up with chest scans, symptom tracking, and support from our expert team

All patients are closely monitored to ensure safety and comfort throughout the trial.

What Have Previous Participants Said?

Patients who took part in earlier studies shared their experiences with honesty and encouragement:

“They are missing a great opportunity… I certainly didn’t want to inject, but I need to be well, and this was a good chance at fewer infections and damping down the Aspergillus.”

“I only had one bad day — I phoned the NAC nurses, who reassured me it was expected and to carry on. Now, side effects are mild and usually gone by lunchtime. They don’t stop me like the chest problems used to.”

“I would really encourage patients to seize this chance of having gamma interferon.”

Others mentioned they were concerned at first about injections or travel, but found ways to manage:

“It doesn’t always hurt — yellow paediatric needles are the key, and a bit of tummy fat helps. Legs rarely hurt.”
“Travel’s harder now that my husband has trouble with his sight… but I understand the issue and can empathise.”

Is It Safe? What About Side Effects?

In our previous study, interferon-gamma was generally well tolerated. Some patients had mild flu-like symptoms after the injection, but these usually faded with time and were far less disruptive than a flare of CPA itself. Your care team will work closely with you and adjust support as needed.

This trial is all about learning more — not only about effectiveness, but also how easy and acceptable the treatment is for patients. The insights we gain will help shape a larger trial and may eventually transform the standard of care for CPA.

Why Take Part?

CPA affects around 3,600 people in the UK, with mortality as high as 40% within five years. If interferon-gamma proves successful, it could:

• Shorten treatment durations

• Reduce relapses

• Improve quality of life for you and others

• Open the door for better treatments in other chronic lung diseases too

You won’t just receive expert support from the UK’s leading CPA centre — you’ll help build the future of care.

“I wouldn’t be influenced by being paid. I’d be more concerned about safety and careful monitoring – which I got.”

🔗 Learn more at clinicaltrials.gov/NCT05653193 or speak to your team at the National Aspergillosis Centre.

You could be part of something that changes CPA care for good.