RILI model and the Covid-19 pneumonia: The radiation oncologist point of view.

Abstract

• Recent advances in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 pneumonia provided by autopsies have yielded much more informations as the extensive lung parenchyma damages by the virus, macrophages invasion, some lymphocytes and thrombotic features associated to disseminated life-threatening coagulation disorder. • While the hypothetical benefit from a LDR in the treatment symptoms hypotisized by Kirkby C could raise some doubts and disappointed expectations, the propose of the Radiation Induced Lung Injury’s (RILI) model by the Radiotherapy community could contribute to this issue in order to understand the processes and management of this life-threatening disease. • Symptoms, radiological CT findings of the chest and histological features occurring in Covid-19 pneumonia seem to mimic the RILI model in all phases of its course. This similarity could help medical community to adopt several effective therapeutic strategies in the treatment of this life-threatening disease.