Saving time in the radiotherapy procedures for COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. A single-institution experience

Abstract

Background The use of low dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) for the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia is supported by biological rationale for its immunomodulatory effect. Some institutions have started to treat these patients showing encouraging results. To shorten procedure times is crucial for the comfort of symptomatic patients receiving respiratory support and to optimize institutional facilities. Patients and methods At our institution, LD-RT is offered to hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and signs of early cytokine-released syndrome on behalf of a multicenter study. We designed a coordinated process flow starting from the patient transfer to the simulation CT-scan (first-step), to the end of the LD-RT treatment (last step). The times spent on each step of the process flow were evaluated. Results Mean age of treated patients was 83 (72–91) years-old. The timing parameters of the first 10 consecutive patients were analyzed. Except for the first (dummy run), patients were managed from the first to the last step in a median of 38 min (25–58, SD 10.67). The most time-consuming sub-process was the contouring of the treatment volumes and dosimetry. Conclusions LD-RT is not only an encouraging option for COVID-19 pneumonia patients, but a convenient and feasible procedure if performed in a coordinated way by reducing procedure times.

Effect of Low-Dose Radiotherapy on the Circulating Levels of Paraoxonase-1-Related Variables and Markers of Inflammation in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia

“…These patients were treated during the acute phase of the viral infection with a single dose of 0.5 Gy radiotherapy to the whole thorax. The protocol details have been published previously [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The study has been approved by the Ethical Institution Research Board of each center and is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT NCT04380818).…”

Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Patients with Pneumonia Due to COVID-19: A Single-Institution Prospective Study

“…Significant improvements in oxygen saturations and the amount of supplemental oxygen needed were reached in these patients. CT scan taken at 1 week after LDRT revealed significant improvements in the percentage of lung involvement in those who survived [ 26 ].…”