Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) for COVID-19: Benefits or Risks?

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiobiology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Limited efficacy of current COVID-19 treatments necessitates novel therapeutic approaches.
• Early phase 1 clinical trials of whole-lung low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for COVID-19 are advancing to phase 2.
• The unconventional application of LDRT for viral infections prompted expert discussion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To convene experts from diverse fields including radiation oncology, virology, and public health.
• To discuss mechanistic underpinnings, rationale, and evidence for LDRT in COVID-19.
• To develop a framework for guiding preclinical and clinical studies on LDRT for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Convened a multidisciplinary workshop with experts in radiation oncology, radiobiology, virology, immunology, radiation protection, and public health policy.
• Reviewed mechanistic underpinnings, rationale, preclinical data, and emerging clinical studies of LDRT for COVID-19.
• Developed a general framework to guide future clinical and preclinical research.

Main Results:

• Identified the need for structured guidance due to limited evidence on LDRT safety and efficacy for COVID-19.
• Facilitated discussion among experts on the potential and challenges of LDRT as a COVID-19 treatment.
• Established a framework for the responsible design and conduct of future studies.

Conclusions:

• The workshop provided guidance for clinicians and researchers on conducting LDRT studies for COVID-19.
• The review aims to inform future research without endorsing or refuting LDRT as a definitive treatment.
• Further rigorous preclinical and clinical investigation is warranted to establish the safety and efficacy of LDRT.