Does PDT have potential in the treatment of COVID 19 patients?

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2020 Sep:31:101889. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101889. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Abstract

The corona virus pandemic has ignited a proliferation of research aimed at prevention of spread, early diagnosis and treatment. Coincidentally, in recent years the Yorkshire Laser Centre has been engaged in developing the methodology of applying PDT in chronic bronchiectasis. Our methodology is based on Methylene Blue (MB) mediated PDT used topically within the airway. The novelty of the method is the use of a nebulizer to deliver the photosensitizer. We suggest that our protocol and methodology could be modulated for use in respiratory infections of COVID -19.

Keywords: COVID 19 respiratory infection; Nebulizer; PDT, Respiratory infection; Photodynamic Therapy; Respiratory tract.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • COVID-19
  • Cohort Studies
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylene Blue / administration & dosage*
  • Pandemics
  • Patient Selection
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy*
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triazenes / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Triazenes
  • 1-phenyl-3,3-dimethyltriazene
  • Methylene Blue