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Saving time in the radiotherapy procedures for COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. A single-institution experience

Authors :
Angel Montero
D. Jové
O. Ripol
C. Solé
M. Algara
S. Vázquez
E. Garcia
L. Gutiérrez
Meritxell Arenas
Marta Bonet
M. Visus
M. Mira
J. L. Morales-Rull
Source :
Clinical & Translational Oncology
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2021.

Abstract

Background The use of low dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) for the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia is supported by biological rationale for its immunomodulatory effect. Some institutions have started to treat these patients showing encouraging results. To shorten procedure times is crucial for the comfort of symptomatic patients receiving respiratory support and to optimize institutional facilities. Patients and methods At our institution, LD-RT is offered to hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and signs of early cytokine-released syndrome on behalf of a multicenter study. We designed a coordinated process flow starting from the patient transfer to the simulation CT-scan (first-step), to the end of the LD-RT treatment (last step). The times spent on each step of the process flow were evaluated. Results Mean age of treated patients was 83 (72–91) years-old. The timing parameters of the first 10 consecutive patients were analyzed. Except for the first (dummy run), patients were managed from the first to the last step in a median of 38 min (25–58, SD 10.67). The most time-consuming sub-process was the contouring of the treatment volumes and dosimetry. Conclusions LD-RT is not only an encouraging option for COVID-19 pneumonia patients, but a convenient and feasible procedure if performed in a coordinated way by reducing procedure times.

Details

ISSN :
16993055 and 1699048X
Volume :
23
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Clinical and Translational Oncology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....6f5fdce38d22009648523b0ef19f6e7a
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-021-02634-5