The Efficacy of IFN-β Therapy in Treating Multiple Sclerosis, Cancers, and COVID-19

IFN-β is a protein messenger called a cytokine, and takes on complex roles within the immune system, such as communication, antiviral defense, immune cell activity regulation, and controlling inflammation. These powerful capabilities have been harnessed to treat–clinically or experimentally – multiple sclerosis (MS), COVID-19, and cancer. The goal of this paper is to compile the known benefits and limitations of IFN-β therapy in the treatment of aforementioned diseases and review strategies to improve treatment. We used research from PubMed and Google Scholar, using keywords such as “Interferon beta therapy”, “adherence”, and “COVID-19” from credible journals published between the years 2010 - 2025. While IFN-β therapy in MS may lead to flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions, and disease progression, it has also shown a beneficial impact on relapse rates, disease progression, and has decades of research ensuring its safety. In cancer, IFN-β, as a monotherapy and combination therapy, has had promising effects, with its anti-tumor effects and T-cell activation eliciting tumor apoptosis, thereby halting growth. However, long-term, continuous use of IFN-β therapy can cause immune resistance, toxicity, inflammatory storms, and reduced efficacy. Lastly, in COVID-19, IFN-β in combination with antivirals have improved safety, reduced hospital stays, hastened symptom alleviation, and shortened viral shedding. However, there was conflicting evidence, with some reports arguing that IFN-β increases hospital stays, fails to improve the patient’s conditions, and could even exacerbate the disease. While IFN-β therapy has proven its efficacy and safety in treating MS, it is still emerging as a powerful therapy in the experimental treatment of both COVID-19 and cancer, and with further research into IFN-β’s precise mechanisms, we will be one step closer to solving some of the world’s most debilitating diseases.