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01-05-2021 | SARS-CoV-2 | Original Article

COVID-19 pneumonia treated with ultra-low doses of radiotherapy (ULTRA-COVID study): a single institution report of two cases

Authors: Elena Moreno-Olmedo, M.D., Vladimir Suárez-Gironzini, M.D., Manuel Pérez, M.D., Teresa Filigheddu, MD, Cristina Mínguez, Phys., Alba Sanjuan-Sanjuan, M.D., José A. González, M.D., Daniel Rivas, M.D., Luis Gorospe, M.D., Luis Larrea, M.D., Escarlata López, Ph.D., M.D.

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Introduction

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare systems have focused their efforts into finding a treatment to avoid the fatal outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus‑2 (SARS-CoV-2). Benefits and risks of systemic treatments remain unclear, with multiple clinical trials still ongoing. Radiotherapy could play a role in reducing the inflammatory response in the lungs and relieve life-threatening symptoms.

Methods

We designed a prospective study of Ultra-Low Doses of Therapy with Radiation Applied to COVID-19 (ULTRA-COVID) for patients who suffer pneumonia, are not candidates for invasive mechanical ventilation and show no improvement with medical therapy.

Results

We present the preliminary results of two patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia treated with ULTRA-COVID. After one radiotherapy session, significant clinical response and a good radiological response was observed in both cases, resulting in both patients being discharged from hospital in less than 2 weeks after radiation treatment.

Conclusion

Preliminary clinical and radiological results suggest a potential benefit of treating COVID-19 pneumonia with ULTRA-COVID.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04394182

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Title: COVID-19 pneumonia treated with ultra-low doses of radiotherapy (ULTRA-COVID study): a single institution report of two cases
Authors: Elena Moreno-Olmedo, M.D.
Vladimir Suárez-Gironzini, M.D.
Manuel Pérez, M.D.
Teresa Filigheddu, MD
Cristina Mínguez, Phys.
Alba Sanjuan-Sanjuan, M.D.
José A. González, M.D.
Daniel Rivas, M.D.
Luis Gorospe, M.D.
Luis Larrea, M.D.
Escarlata López, Ph.D., M.D.
Publication date: 01-05-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2
Pneumonia
Radiotherapy
COVID-19
Cytokines
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-020-01743-4

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COVID-19 pneumonia treated with ultra-low doses of radiotherapy (ULTRA-COVID study): a single institution report of two cases

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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