Low-Dose Lung Radiation Therapy for COVID-19 Lung Disease: A Preclinical Efficacy Study in a Bleomycin Model of Pneumonitis.

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

SUBMITTER: Jackson MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8406661 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature