COVID-19 and low-dose radiation therapy

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, leading to significant global mortality.
• Current COVID-19 treatments include social distancing, masking, antivirals, and steroids.
• Low dose radiation (LDR) therapy presents an alternative treatment approach with potential advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential mechanisms and rationales for using LDR in COVID-19 patients.
• To summarize the current clinical status and safety of LDR therapy for COVID-19.
• To explore the future potential of LDR as a COVID-19 treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of over 10 case reports and pilot clinical trials on LDR therapy for COVID-19.
• Analysis of diverse patient conditions and LDR treatment strategies.
• Evaluation of reported clinical outcomes and safety data, particularly for 0.5 Gy LDR.

Main Results:

• The majority of studies indicate some clinical improvement in COVID-19 patients treated with LDR.
• LDR therapy, especially at 0.5 Gy, has demonstrated safety in COVID-19 patients.
• One report noted a lack of improvement, highlighting variability in outcomes.

Conclusions:

• LDR therapy warrants further investigation as a potential treatment for COVID-19.
• The safety profile of LDR for COVID-19 patients is encouraging.
• Understanding the mechanisms of LDR could optimize its application in managing COVID-19.