Figure 4.

Potential Alveolar Mucus Absorption by Radiation-Induced Vascular Modification

The major lethal course in COVID-19 patients is associated with the dropped blood oxygenation level due to CS-induced damages in alveoli gas exchange capacity. The drainage of alveolar mucus in the inflammation-mediated congestion has been a challenge in the treatment of COVID-19 patients due to limited access of medications using blood-delivered drugs and/or antiviral agents. Radiation has the potential ability of tissue re-oxygenation by medication of microvasculature in the hypoxic area in solid tumor. Thus, with the unique capacity of deep tissue penetration, LR of HDR may be able to improve gas exchange capacity by effectively relieving the alveolar mucus accumulation via radiation-mediated microvasculature alternations that includes endothelial cell apoptosis and replace. The potential benefits and effectiveness of HDR-accelerated mucus clearance are to be tested by animal models.