Photobiomodulation and Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of COVID-19 A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Until now there is no vaccine or reliable treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic. The fundamental mechanisms of non-invasive low-level laser in photobiomodulation (PBM) and photodynamic therapy is to stimulate the mitochondrial respiratory chain where a transient release of non-cytotoxic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) will lead to positive modulation of the immune response. As previous studies mentioned that the most important strategy for COVID-19 management is oxygenation and faster rehabilitation of the damaged tissue, antiviral effects, and, finally, reduction or controlling the cytokine storm by reducing inflammatory agents. PBM may be used as adjuvant therapy or even an alternative therapy in all these mechanisms without side effects and drug interactions.

Objectives The objective of this clinical trial is to use the photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), and photodynamic therapy as adjuvant therapy or even an alternative therapy for Covide-19.

Patients and methods A randomized controlled study will be conducted on 60 patients of positive COVID 19. The patients will be divided into 3 equal groups. Group, I will receive a low-level laser (diode laser 980nm) from laser watch for 30 minutes, 20 J for 3 to 5 days, and laser acupuncture. Group 2 will be treated with photodynamic therapy by injecting the methylene blue as a photosensitizer and irradiated with laser watch (diode laser 670 nm). Group 3 will serve as a control. Evaluation methods will include laboratory investigations and CT chest.