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Sharma DN, Sharma S, Gupta A, Saini SK, Subramani V. Low-dose radiation therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia: Comparison of dosimetry and life-time attributable risk of cancer with conventional AP-PA fields and bone marrow sparing VMAT. J Cancer Res Ther 2024; 20:943-948. [PMID: 39023602 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_656_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) to lungs did show encouraging results in COVID-19 patients in some clinical trials. However, there has been some concern regarding the long-term risk of radiation-induced cancer (RIC). Compared to the conventional AP-PA field technique, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) can potentially reduce the dose to the marrow and other organs at risk (OARs) and thus minimize the risk of cancer. We designed a dosimetry study to study if VMAT can reduce the exposure to the marrow and other OAR doses and curtail the estimated life-time attributable risk (LAR) of cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS We retrieved the computed tomography scan data of 10 patients (aged 40-60 years, median 48 years) who have been already treated for any malignancy in the region of the thorax. A dose of 1.0 Gy in single fraction was prescribed to both lungs. All the organs were delineated as per the established guidelines. The dosimetry achieved by the two plans was compared to find the difference. Mean OAR doses were used to estimate the LAR for both plans and compared. RESULTS Planning target volume coverage parameters like conformity index and homogeneity index were significantly better with VMAT (P value < 0.05 for all). The mean dose to most OARs was significantly lower with VMAT (P value < 0.05 for all). The mean dose to the marrow was significantly lower with VMAT (59.05 vs 81.9 cGy with P value < 0.05). The overall LAR was significantly lower with VMAT as compared to the conventional plan (0.357% vs 0.398%, P value < 0.05). CONCLUSION Compared to the conventional technique, VMAT provides better OAR dosimetry for lung irradiation (a prescription dose of 1.0 Gy or more) in COVID-19 pneumonia. VMAT significantly reduces the risk of RIC. We therefore suggest if lung LDRT is used for COVID-19 patients, VMAT is the preferred technique for a prescription dose of ≥1.0 Gy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daya Nand Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Mohan DK, Nandhini K, Raavi V, Perumal V. Impact of X-radiation in the management of COVID-19 disease. World J Radiol 2022; 14:219-228. [PMID: 36160628 PMCID: PMC9350611 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v14.i7.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are a diverse group of viruses that infect both animals and humans. Even though the existence of coronavirus and its infection to humans is not new, the 2019-novel coronavirus (nCoV) caused a major burden to individuals and society i.e., anxiety, fear of infection, extreme competition for hospitalization, and more importantly financial liability. The nCoV infection/disease diagnosis was based on non-specific signs and symptoms, biochemical parameters, detection of the virus using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and X-ray-based imaging. This review focuses on the consolidation of potentials of X-ray-based imaging modality [chest-X radiography (CXR) and chest computed tomography (CT)] and low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for screening, severity, and management of COVID-19 disease. Reported studies suggest that CXR contributed significantly toward initial rapid screening/diagnosis and CT- imaging to monitor the disease severity. The chest CT has high sensitivity up to 98% and low specificity for diagnosis and severity of COVID-19 disease compared to RT-PCR. Similarly, LDRT compliments drug therapy in the early recovery/Less hospital stays by maintaining the physiological parameters better than the drug therapy alone. All the results undoubtedly demonstrated the evidence that X-ray-based technology continues to evolve and play a significant role in human health care even during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya T A
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai 600 116, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Divya K Mohan
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai 600 116, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K Nandhini
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai 600 116, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Venkateswarlu Raavi
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Tamaka, Kolar 563 103, Karnataka, India
| | - Venkatachalam Perumal
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai 600 116, Tamil Nadu, India
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Piras A, Venuti V, D’Aviero A, Cusumano D, Pergolizzi S, Daidone A, Boldrini L. Covid-19 and radiotherapy: a systematic review after 2 years of pandemic. Clin Transl Imaging 2022; 10:611-630. [PMID: 35910079 PMCID: PMC9308500 DOI: 10.1007/s40336-022-00513-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Following the Covid-19 pandemic spread, changes in clinical practice were necessary to limit the pandemic diffusion. Also, oncological practice has undergone changes with radiotherapy (RT) treatments playing a key role.Although several experiences have been published, the aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence after 2 years of pandemic to provide useful conclusions for clinicians. Methods A Pubmed/MEDLINE and Embase systematic review was conducted. The search strategy was "Covid AND Radiotherapy" and only original articles in the English language were considered. Results A total of 2.733 papers were obtained using the mentioned search strategy. After the complete selection process, a total of 281 papers were considered eligible for the analysis of the results. Discussion RT has played a key role in Covid-19 pandemic as it has proved more resilient than surgery and chemotherapy. The impact of the accelerated use of hypofractionated RT and telemedicine will make these strategies central also in the post-pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Piras
- Radioterapia Oncologica, Villa Santa Teresa, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Venuti
- Radioterapia Oncologica, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea D’Aviero
- Radiation Oncology, Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Sassari Italy
| | | | - Stefano Pergolizzi
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Luca Boldrini
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, UOC Radioterapia Oncologica - Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Singh P, Mandal A, Singh D, Kumar S, Kumar A, Rakesh A, Ranjan R, Verma M, Rai DK, Bhushan D, Shankar A, Sinha A, Saini R, Saha A, Thovarayi A, Baral AK, Chauhan S, Kumar R, Kakoty P, Modak B, Ranjan A. Interim Analysis of Impact of Adding Low Dose Pulmonary Radiotherapy to Moderate COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients: IMpaCt-RT Study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:822902. [PMID: 35425707 PMCID: PMC9002137 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.822902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia remains largely supportive till date and multiple clinical trials took place within the short span of time to evaluate the role of investigational therapies. The anti-inflammatory effect of low dose whole lung radiation in treating pneumonia has been documented earlier. This clinical trial analyzed the effect of low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) in a moderately affected COVID-19 pneumonia patient cohort and has evaluated its effect in stopping the conversion of moderate disease into severe disease. Methods Patients with moderate COVID-19 pneumonia as characterized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of India, were randomized (1:1) to low dose whole lung radiation versus no radiation. All treatment of patients was concurrently being given as per institutional protocol. Patients were followed up with clinical and laboratory parameters monitored on Days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Computed tomography scan (CT scan) of thorax was performed on Days 1 and 7. Patients were evaluated for conversion of moderate into severe disease as per National Early Warning Score-2 (NEWS-2 score) as the primary end point. The secondary endpoints included changes in ratio between peripheral capillary oxygen saturation and fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2), biochemical markers, 25-point CT severity score, and radiation induced acute pulmonary toxicities. Findings At the interim analysis, there were seven patients in the radiation arm and six in the control. A whole lung LDRT improved the outcome of SpO2/FiO2 at Day 3; however it did not convert into a statistically significant improvement for the NEWS-2 score. The serum levels of LDH, CRP, Ferritin and D-dimer were significantly reduced on 14 days in the LDRT arm in comparison to the baseline value but were not significant between the two groups. Interpretation LDRT seems to have the potential to prevent moderate COVID-19 pneumonia from a deteriorating to severe category. However, further randomized clinical trial with an adequate number of such patients is warranted to establish the definitive role of LDRT in the management of COVID-19 pneumonia. Funding An intramural research project bearing code: I-27/621, was sanctioned from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India. Clinical Trial Registration Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2021/06/033912, 25th May 2021) ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritanjali Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Avik Mandal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Dharmendra Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Subhash Kumar
- Department of Radio-diagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Amarjeet Kumar
- Department of Anaesthesiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Amrita Rakesh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Rakesh Ranjan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Manika Verma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Deependra Kumar Rai
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Divendu Bhushan
- Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Abhishek Shankar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Arkaprava Sinha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Rohit Saini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Arijit Saha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Ashwin Thovarayi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Anindya Kumar Baral
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Samyak Chauhan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Rajhans Kumar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Priya Kakoty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Bithika Modak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Alok Ranjan
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
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Wen K, Bai C, Zhao H, Zhou P, Gao S, Guan H, Song M. Low dose radiation therapy attenuates ACE2 depression and inflammatory cytokines induction by COVID-19 viral spike protein in human bronchial epithelial cells. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 98:1532-1541. [PMID: 35319335 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2055806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) is an evidence-based anti-inflammatory treatment. In anti-COVID-19, our study suggests that low to moderate dose radiation of < 1.5 Gy can inhibit the induction of inflammatory cytokine and attenuate the ACE2 depression induced by spike protein in human bronchial epithelial cells in COVID-19 infection. Our study provided further mechanistic evidence to support LDRT as a cost-effective treatment for COVID-19 to relieve the severe inflammatory reaction and lung injury. Methods and materials: A cellular model was created by treating human bronchial epithelial cells (BEP2D) with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We used the qRT-PCR and ELISA analysis to identify the production of inflammatory cytokines. The BEP2D control cells and the spike-treated cells were irradiated using a single low to moderate dose radiation of 0.5 Gy, 1 Gy, and 1.5 Gy. The inflammatory cytokines and ACE2 expression were detected at different time points. Results: The soluble SARS-CoV-2 spike protein stimulated the formation of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α while reducing the ACE2 protein expression in human bronchial epithelial cells. A single low to moderate dose exposure of 0.5 Gy, 1 Gy, and 1.5 Gy could attenuate the IL-6 and TNF-α induction and rescue the depression of ACE2 by spike protein. Moreover, the spike protein increased the proteolytic degradation of ACE2 protein by promoting NEDD4-mediated ubiquitination of ACE2. Conclusions: The low-dose radiation can attenuate ACE2 depression and inflammatory response produced in the targeted human bronchial epithelial cells by spike protein. This coordinating effect of LDRT may relieve the severe inflammatory reaction and lung injury in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chenjun Bai
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongling Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Pingkun Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Guan
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Man Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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Sanmamed N, Alcantara P, Gómez S, Bustos A, Cerezo E, Gaztañaga M, Doval A, Corona J, Rodriguez G, Cabello N, Duffort M, Ortuño F, de Castro J, López A, Fuentes M, Sanz A, Vazquez M. Low-dose radiation therapy in the management of COVID-19 pneumonia (LOWRAD-Cov19). Final results of a prospective phase I-II trial. Radiother Oncol 2022; 171:25-29. [PMID: 35367528 PMCID: PMC8968128 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Material and methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Sanmamed
- Radiation Oncology Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Investigation Institute, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Pino Alcantara
- Investigation Institute, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Radiation Oncology Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Medicine. Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Gómez
- Radiology Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Bustos
- Radiology Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Cerezo
- Radiation Oncology Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miren Gaztañaga
- Radiation Oncology Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Investigation Institute, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anxela Doval
- Radiation Oncology Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Corona
- Radiation Oncology Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Medicine. Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabriel Rodriguez
- Medical Physics Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Noemi Cabello
- Internal Medicine Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Duffort
- Internal Medicine Department, Infanta Leonor Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Amanda López
- Investigation Institute, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Fuentes
- Preventive Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Sanz
- Medical Oncology Department, Rio Hortega Hospital, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Manuel Vazquez
- Radiation Oncology Department, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Investigation Institute, Clinico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Medicine. Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
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Chalkia M, Arkoudis NA, Maragkoudakis E, Rallis S, Tremi I, Georgakilas AG, Kouloulias V, Efstathopoulos E, Platoni K. The Role of Ionizing Radiation for Diagnosis and Treatment against COVID-19: Evidence and Considerations. Cells 2022; 11:467. [PMID: 35159277 PMCID: PMC8834503 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread worldwide with over 260 million people infected and more than 5 million deaths, numbers that are escalating on a daily basis. Frontline health workers and scientists diligently fight to alleviate life-threatening symptoms and control the spread of the disease. There is an urgent need for better triage of patients, especially in third world countries, in order to decrease the pressure induced on healthcare facilities. In the struggle to treat life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia, scientists have debated the clinical use of ionizing radiation (IR). The historical literature dating back to the 1940s contains many reports of successful treatment of pneumonia with IR. In this work, we critically review the literature for the use of IR for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. We identify details including the computed tomography (CT) scanning considerations, the radiobiological basis of IR anti-inflammatory effects, the supportive evidence for low dose radiation therapy (LDRT), and the risks of radiation-induced cancer and cardiac disease associated with LDRT. In this paper, we address concerns regarding the effective management of COVID-19 patients and potential avenues that could provide empirical evidence for the fight against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Chalkia
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical Physics Unit, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.R.); (E.E.); (K.P.)
| | - Nikolaos-Achilleas Arkoudis
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology Unit, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Emmanouil Maragkoudakis
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology Unit, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Stamatis Rallis
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical Physics Unit, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.R.); (E.E.); (K.P.)
| | - Ioanna Tremi
- DNA Damage Laboratory, Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 15780 Athens, Greece; (I.T.); (A.G.G.)
| | - Alexandros G. Georgakilas
- DNA Damage Laboratory, Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 15780 Athens, Greece; (I.T.); (A.G.G.)
| | - Vassilis Kouloulias
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology Unit, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (E.M.); (V.K.)
| | - Efstathios Efstathopoulos
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical Physics Unit, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.R.); (E.E.); (K.P.)
| | - Kalliopi Platoni
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical Physics Unit, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.R.); (E.E.); (K.P.)
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Banaei A, Hashemi B, Bakhshandeh M. Estimating cancer risks due to whole lungs low dose radiotherapy with different techniques for treating COVID-19 pneumonia. Radiat Oncol 2022; 17:10. [PMID: 35057839 PMCID: PMC8771186 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-021-01971-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low dose radiotherapy (LDRT) of whole lungs with photon beams is a novel method for treating COVID-19 pneumonia. This study aimed to estimate cancer risks induced by lung LDRT for different radiotherapy delivery techniques. METHOD Four different radiotherapy techniques, including 3D-conformal with anterior and posterior fields (3D-CRT AP-PA), 3D-conformal with 8 coplanar fields (3D-CRT 8 fields), eight fields intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy using 2 full arcs (VMAT) were planned on the CT images of 32 COVID-19 patients with the prescribed dose of 1 Gy to the lungs. Organ average and maximum doses, and PTV dose distribution indexes were compared between different techniques. The radiation-induced cancer incidence and cancer-specific mortality, and cardiac heart disease risks were estimated for the assessed techniques. RESULTS In IMRT and VMAT techniques, heart (mean and max), breast (mean, and max), and stomach (mean) doses and also maximum dose in the body were significantly lower than the 3D-CRT techniques. The calculated conformity indexes were similar in all the techniques. However, the homogeneity indexes were lower (i.e., better) in intensity-modulated techniques (P < 0.03) with no significant differences between IMRT and VMAT plans. Lung cancer incident risks for all the delivery techniques were similar (P > 0.4). Cancer incidence and mortality risks for organs located closer to lungs like breast and stomach were higher in 3D-CRT techniques than IMRT or VMAT techniques (excess solid tumor cancer incidence risks for a 30 years man: 1.94 ± 0.22% Vs. 1.68 ± 0.17%; and women: 6.66 ± 0.81% Vs. 4.60 ± 0.43%: cancer mortality risks for 30 years men: 1.63 ± 0.19% Vs. 1.45 ± 0.15%; and women: 3.63 ± 0.44% Vs. 2.94 ± 0.23%). CONCLUSION All the radiotherapy techniques had low cancer risks. However, the overall estimated risks induced by IMRT and VMAT radiotherapy techniques were lower than the 3D-CRT techniques and can be used clinically in younger patients or patients having greater concerns about radiation induced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Banaei
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Al-Ahmad and Chamran Cross, 1411713116 Tehran, Iran
| | - Bijan Hashemi
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Al-Ahmad and Chamran Cross, 1411713116 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Bakhshandeh
- Department of Radiology Technology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
PURPOSE Low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) using doses in the range of 30-150 cGy has been proposed as a means of mitigating the pneumonia associated with COVID-19. However, preliminary results from ongoing clinical trials have been mixed. The aim of this work is to develop a mathematical model of the viral infection and associated systemic inflammation in a patient based on the time evolution of the viral load. The model further proposes an immunomodulatory response to LDRT based on available data. Inflammation kinetics are then explored and compared to clinical results. METHODS The time evolution of a viral infection, inflammatory signaling factors, and inflammatory response are modeled by a set of coupled differential equations. Adjustable parameters are taken from the literature where available and otherwise iteratively adjusted to fit relevant data. Simple functions modeling both the suppression of pro-inflammatory signal factors and the enhancement of anti-inflammatory factors in response to low doses of radiation are developed. The inflammation response is benchmarked against C-reactive protein (CRP) levels measured for cohorts of patients with severe COVID-19. RESULTS The model fit the time-evolution of viral load data, cytokine data, and inflammation (CRP) data. When LDRT was applied early, the model predicted a reduction in peak inflammation consistent with the difference between the non-surviving and surviving cohorts. This reduction of peak inflammation diminished as the application of LDRT was delayed. CONCLUSION The model tracks the available data on viral load, cytokine levels, and inflammatory biomarkers well. An LDRT effect is large enough in principle to provide a life-saving immunomodulatory effect, though patients treated with LDRT already near the peak of their inflammation trajectory are unlikely to see drastic reductions in that peak. This result potentially explains some discrepancies in the preliminary clinical trial data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Kirkby
- Department of Medical Physics, Jack Ady Cancer Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Jackson MR, Stevenson K, Chahal SK, Curley E, Finney GE, Gutierrez-Quintana R, Onwubiko E, Rupp A, Strathdee K, Williams K, MacLeod MKL, McSharry C, Chalmers AJ. Low-Dose Lung Radiation Therapy for COVID-19 Lung Disease: A Preclinical Efficacy Study in a Bleomycin Model of Pneumonitis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022; 112:197-211. [PMID: 34478832 PMCID: PMC8406661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low-dose whole lung radiation therapy (LDLR) has been proposed as a treatment for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and clinical trials are underway. There is an urgent need for preclinical evidence to justify this approach and inform dose, scheduling, and mechanisms of action. METHODS AND MATERIALS Female C57BL/6 mice were treated with intranasal bleomycin sulfate (7.5 or 11.25 units/kg, day 0) and then exposed to whole lung radiation therapy (0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 Gy, or sham; day 3). Bodyweight was measured daily, and lung tissue was harvested for histology and flow cytometry on day 10. Computed tomography lung imaging was performed before radiation (day 3) and pre-endpoint (day 10). RESULTS Bleomycin caused pneumonitis of variable severity, which correlated with weight loss. LDLR at 1.0 Gy was associated with a significant increase in the proportion of mice recovering to 98% of initial bodyweight, and a proportion of these mice exhibited less severe histopathologic lung changes. Mice experiencing moderate initial weight loss were more likely to respond to LDLR than those experiencing severe initial weight loss. In addition, LDLR (1.0 Gy) significantly reduced bleomycin-induced increases in interstitial macrophages, CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs), and neutrophil-DC hybrids. Overall, bleomycin-treated mice exhibited significantly higher percentages of nonaerated lung in left than right lungs, and LDLR (1.0 Gy) limited further reductions in aerated lung volume in right but not left lungs. LDLR at 0.5 and 1.5 Gy did not improve bodyweight, flow cytometric, or radiologic readouts of bleomycin-induced pneumonitis. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the concept that LDLR can ameliorate acute inflammatory lung injury, identify 1.0 Gy as the most effective dose, and provide evidence that it is more effective in the context of moderate than severe pneumonitis. Mechanistically, LDLR at 1.0 Gy significantly suppressed bleomycin-induced accumulation of pulmonary interstitial macrophages, CD103+ DCs, and neutrophil-DC hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Jackson
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sandeep K Chahal
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emer Curley
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - George E Finney
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Angie Rupp
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Strathdee
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Karin Williams
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Megan K L MacLeod
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Charles McSharry
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
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11
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Saleeva DV, Zasukhina GD. [Prospects for using low-dose radiation in the complex therapy for COVID-19]. Vopr Virusol 2021; 66:252-258. [PMID: 34545717 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This review presents the literature data of new approaches for the treatment of COVID-19 with low doses of radiation (LDR). In addition, data on the use of LDR for the treatment of various disorders, in particular pneumonia, a number of inflammatory processes of various etiology, as well as Alzheimer's disease are discussed. The mechanisms of LDR action are briefly described, associated with the activation of the immune system and antiinflammatory response due to the effect on the processes of oxidative stress, which is reflected in an increase in the activity of cytokines (interleukin- (IL-) 6), changes in the expression of a number of genes (such as P53 and NF-κB (p65)) and long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) (the authors' own data are presented). Based on the analysis of the material presented, it can be assumed that further clinical trials of the effect of MDR (5-10 cGy) on patients with COVID-19, who are at different stages of the disease, will reveal the optimal conditions for the development and use of an effective treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- D V Saleeva
- FSBI «State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center» of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia
| | - G D Zasukhina
- FSBI «State Research Center - Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center» of Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia; FSBIS Vavilov Institute of General Genetics of Russian Academy of Sciences
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12
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Ganesan G, Ponniah S, Sundaram V, Marimuthu PK, Pitchaikannu V, Chandrasekaran M, Thangarasu J, Kannupaiyan G, Ramamoorthy P, Thangaraj B, Shree Vaishnavi R. Whole lung irradiation as a novel treatment for COVID-19: Interim results of an ongoing phase 2 trial in India. Radiother Oncol 2021; 163:83-90. [PMID: 34391759 PMCID: PMC8359565 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background and purpose The main cause of death in COVID-19 pneumonia is acute respiratory distress syndrome which is preceded by massive cytokine release. Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that can interfere with the inflammatory cascade, reducing the severity of associated cytokine release. Material & methods 25 patients with RT-PCR proven COVID-19 pneumonia were enrolled between November 2020 and May 2021. All patients had SpO2 < 94 % on room air, respiratory frequency > 24/min and SpO2/FiO2 ratio (SF ratio) of >89 but <357. Patients were treated according to standard COVID-19 management guidelines along with single fraction LDRT of 0.5 Gy to bilateral whole lungs within 10 days of symptom onset and 5 days of hospital admission. Results LDRT was well tolerated by all patients. There was a statistically significant improvement in oxygenation as given by the SF ratio between pre-RT and day 2 (p < 0.05), day 3 (p < 0.001) and day 7 (p < 0.001) post RT. Demand for supplemental oxygen showed statistically significant reduction between pre-RT and day 2 (p < 0.05), day 3 (p < 0.001), day 7 (p < 0.001) post RT. 88 % patients attained clinical recovery within 10 days post LDRT and median time to hospital discharge from day of LDRT was 6 days. Three patients deteriorated and died. Conclusion As per our initial experience, LDRT appears to be a promising modality of treatment with rapid relief of respiratory distress in selected patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. This translates to early clinical recovery and hospital discharge in the selected patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govindaraj Ganesan
- Harshamitra Super-Specialty Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Trichy, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Sasipriya Ponniah
- Harshamitra Super-Specialty Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Trichy, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Prabhu Ramamoorthy
- Harshamitra Super-Specialty Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Trichy, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Brindha Thangaraj
- Harshamitra Super-Specialty Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Trichy, Tamilnadu, India
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13
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Gupta S, Ahuja R, Sharma N, Singh P, Verma S, Gupta M. Low dose lung radiotherapy for COVID-19 pneumonia: A potential treatment. Respir Med 2021; 186:106531. [PMID: 34260977 PMCID: PMC8261133 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweety Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, India.
| | - Rachit Ahuja
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, India
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, India
| | - Pragya Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, India
| | - Swati Verma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, India
| | - Manoj Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS, Rishikesh, India
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14
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François S, Helissey C, Cavallero S, Drouet M, Libert N, Cosset JM, Deutsch E, Meziani L, Chargari C. COVID-19-Associated Pneumonia: Radiobiological Insights. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:640040. [PMID: 34113249 PMCID: PMC8185272 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.640040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia to acute respiratory distress syndrome is linked to a virus-induced “cytokine storm”, associated with systemic inflammation, coagulopathies, endothelial damage, thrombo-inflammation, immune system deregulation and disruption of angiotensin converting enzyme signaling pathways. To date, the most promising therapeutic approaches in COVID-19 pandemic are linked to the development of vaccines. However, the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the short and mid-term cannot only rely on vaccines strategies, in particular given the growing proportion of more contagious and more lethal variants among exposed population (the English, South African and Brazilian variants). As long as collective immunity is still not acquired, some patients will have severe forms of the disease. Therapeutic perspectives also rely on the implementation of strategies for the prevention of secondary complications resulting from vascular endothelial damage and from immune system deregulation, which contributes to acute respiratory distress and potentially to long term irreversible tissue damage. While the anti-inflammatory effects of low dose irradiation have been exploited for a long time in the clinics, few recent physiopathological and experimental data suggested the possibility to modulate the inflammatory storm related to COVID-19 pulmonary infection by exposing patients to ionizing radiation at very low doses. Despite level of evidence is only preliminary, these preclinical findings open therapeutic perspectives and are discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine François
- Department of Radiation Biological Effects, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | | | - Sophie Cavallero
- Department of Radiation Biological Effects, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Michel Drouet
- Department of Radiation Biological Effects, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | | | - Jean-Marc Cosset
- Centre de Radiothérapie Charlebourg/La Défense, Groupe Amethyst, La Garenne-Colombes, France
| | - Eric Deutsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Center, Villejuif, France.,INSERM U1030, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Lydia Meziani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Center, Villejuif, France.,INSERM U1030, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Cyrus Chargari
- Department of Radiation Biological Effects, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Center, Villejuif, France.,INSERM U1030, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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15
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González-Sanchis A, Brualla-González L, Fuster-Diana C, Gordo-Partearroyo JC, Piñeiro-Vidal T, García-Hernandez T, López-Torrecilla JL. Surface-guided radiation therapy for breast cancer: more precise positioning. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 23:2120-2126. [PMID: 33840013 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02617-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypofractionated radiation therapy for breast cancer requires highly precise delivery through the use of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). Surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) is being increasingly used for patient positioning in breast radiotherapy. We aimed to assess the role of SGRT for verification of breast radiotherapy and the tumour bed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prospective study of 252 patients with early stage breast cancer. A total of 1170 determinations of daily positioning were performed. Breast surface positioning was determined with SGRT (AlignRT) and correlated with the surgical clips in the tumour bed, verified by IGRT (ExacTrac). RESULTS SGRT improved surface matching by a mean of 5.3 points compared to conventional skin markers (98.0 vs. 92.7), a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon Test). For surface matching values > 95%, ≥ 3 clips coincided in 99.7% of the determinations and all markers coincided in 92.5%. For surface matching rates > 90%, the location of ≥ 3 clips coincided in 99.55% of determinations. CONCLUSIONS SGRT improves patient positioning accuracy compared to skin markers. Optimal breast SGRT can accurately verify the localisation of the tumour bed, ensuring matching with ≥ 3 surgical clips. SGRT can eliminate unwanted radiation from IGRT verification systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A González-Sanchis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ERESA, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (CHGUV), Avenida Tres Cruces, No. 2, 46014, Valencia, Spain.
| | - L Brualla-González
- Department of Radiophysics, ERESA, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (CHGUV), Valencia, Spain
| | - C Fuster-Diana
- Department of Surgery, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (CHGUV), Valencia, Spain
| | - J C Gordo-Partearroyo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ERESA, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (CHGUV), Avenida Tres Cruces, No. 2, 46014, Valencia, Spain
| | - T Piñeiro-Vidal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ERESA, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (CHGUV), Avenida Tres Cruces, No. 2, 46014, Valencia, Spain
| | - T García-Hernandez
- Department of Radiophysics, ERESA, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (CHGUV), Valencia, Spain
| | - J L López-Torrecilla
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ERESA, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (CHGUV), Avenida Tres Cruces, No. 2, 46014, Valencia, Spain
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