Low dose lung radiotherapy for COVID-19 pneumonia: A potential treatment

Respir Med. 2021 Sep:186:106531. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106531. Epub 2021 Jul 7.

Abstract

The covid-19 pandemic has been affecting many countries across the world and lost precious lives. Most patients suffer from respiratory disease which progresses to the severe acute respiratory syndrome, termed as SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. A systemic inflammatory response occurs in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia severely ill patients, The inflammation process if uncontrolled has a detrimental effect, and the release of cytokines play an important role leading to lung fibrosis. Radiation therapy used in low doses has an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect. Its low cost, wider availability, and decreased risk of acute side effects can reduce the burden on the health care system.

Keywords: COVID-19 pneumonia; Inflammation; Low dose radiation therapy; Macrophages.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / complications
  • COVID-19 / radiotherapy*
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Macrophages
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / etiology
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / radiotherapy
  • Radiotherapy / methods*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / etiology
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / radiotherapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators