Low-Dose Radiotherapy for COVID-19 Pneumonia
(PREVENT Trial)
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does exclude those with a history of using certain drugs like Bleomycin and Methotrexate, so it's best to discuss your medications with the trial team.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Low-Dose Radiotherapy for COVID-19 Pneumonia?
Research suggests that low-dose radiation therapy, typically between 0.5 to 1.5 Gy, may help improve viral pneumonia, including COVID-19 pneumonia, by reducing inflammation in the lungs. Studies have shown that this approach is considered feasible and safe, with potential benefits outweighing the risks of radiation exposure.12345
Is low-dose radiotherapy safe for treating COVID-19 pneumonia?
How does low-dose radiotherapy differ from other treatments for COVID-19 pneumonia?
Low-dose radiotherapy for COVID-19 pneumonia is unique because it uses small doses of radiation to potentially reduce inflammation in the lungs, unlike standard drug treatments. This approach is based on historical data suggesting that low doses of radiation can help with viral pneumonia, and it is being explored due to the lack of effective drug treatments for COVID-19 pneumonia.1231011
What is the purpose of this trial?
Low doses of radiation in the form of chest x-rays has been in the past to treat people with pneumonia. This treatment was thought to reduce inflammation and was found to be effective without side effects. However, it was an expensive treatment and was eventually replaced with less expensive treatment options like penicillin.The COVID-19 virus has emerged recently, causing high rates of pneumonia in people. The authors believe that giving a small dose of radiation to the lungs may reduce inflammation and neutralize the pneumonia caused by COVID-19. For this study, the x-ray given is called radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-ray beams from a large machine to target the lungs and reduce inflammation. Usually, it is given at much higher doses to treat cancers.The purpose of this study is to find out if adding a single treatment of low-dose x-rays to the lungs might reduce the amount of inflammation in the lungs from COVID-19 infection, which could reduce the need for a ventilator or breathing tube.
Research Team
Arnab Chakravarti, MD
Principal Investigator
James Cancer Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for hospitalized COVID-19 patients with confirmed pneumonia, experiencing symptoms like fever and cough for less than 9 days. They must have a high respiratory rate or need oxygen to maintain blood oxygen levels. Participants should be able to lie on the treatment couch and consent to the study.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Randomization and Initial Treatment
Participants are randomized to receive either standard care or low-dose whole thorax megavoltage radiotherapy (LD-WTRT) at 35 cGy or 100 cGy
Evaluation and Dose Selection
Evaluation of clinical benefit, risk profile, and biomarker changes to select the best radiotherapy dose-arm for Step 2
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including changes in blood markers and clinical outcomes
Treatment Details
Interventions
- High dose radiation 100 cGy
- Low dose radiation 35 cGy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
Varian Medical Systems
Industry Sponsor
Dow R. Wilson
Varian Medical Systems
Chief Executive Officer since 2012
MBA from Dartmouth's Amos Tuck School of Business, BA from Brigham Young University
Dr. Deepak Khuntia
Varian Medical Systems
Chief Medical Officer since 2020
MD from the University of Cambridge, PhD from the University of Leicester