Low‐dose radiation as a treatment for COVID‐19 pneumonia: A threat or real opportunity?

Abstract

Low-dose radiation is known to induce anti-inflammatory responses and has been historically used for treating infectious diseases such as pneumonia. As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues globally and effective treatment methods are lacking, low-dose radiation has drawn increasing attention recently. While some are optimistic about the clinical adoption of low-dose radiation for the treatment of COVID-19, others have significant concerns about its effectiveness and safety. This is the premise debated in this month's Point/Counterpoint.

NRG Oncology Updated International Consensus Atlas on Pelvic Lymph Node Volumes for Intact and Postoperative Prostate Cancer

“…However, after the onset of effective antimicrobial agents, the use of IR in the treatment of patients has been discontinued and the involved mechanism remained unknown. Following the excess death toll related to the COVID-19 pandemic, some radiation oncologists suggested the use of low doses of RT to treat COVID-19 patients suffering from ARDS [25][26][27][28][29], even if this raised some criticism, [30][31][32][33] given the uncertainties regarding a potential viral flare-up or an increase in lung tissue damage [34]. In the absence of preclinical data, the scientific community is puzzled between the risks associated with a whole lung irradiation (acute worsening of the patients, and the immediate intrinsic risk of ARDS) [34].…”

Cancerona: Challenges of Cancer Management in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A phase II clinical trial is being conducted to assess the antiinflammatory properties of low-dose radiation for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection with respiratory compromise. More studies are needed to delineate the benefits and safety profile of low-dose radiation therapy in treatment of inflammatory processes such as in COVID-19 disease [80].…”

Low dose radiation therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia: brief review of the evidence

“…The two most recent letters that have been published on this subject are by Kirkby and Mackenzie in Radiotherapy and Oncology [3] and Doss in Physics in Medicine & Biology [4]. There is also a very recent point/counterpoint published in medical physics on this subject [5]. While these papers provide several historical references to the cohort data they do not provide explicit detail of some of the compelling evidence provided by these historical publications.…”