Necrotizing Fasciitis: Low-Dose Radiotherapy as a Potential Adjunct Treatment

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly spreading bacterial infection causing extensive tissue necrosis and destruction. Despite appropriate therapy, the disease results in significant morbidity/mortality and substantial treatment costs. Several studies published in the early 1900s demonstrated the effective use of low-dose X-ray radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of many diverse inflammatory conditions and diseases (eg, gas gangrene, sinus infections, arthritis, tendonitis, and serious inflammatory lung conditions). The mechanism by which therapeutic RT doses produce positive patient outcomes is related at least in part to its capacity to induce tissue-based anti-inflammatory responses. This action is due to the polarization of macrophages to an anti-inflammatory or M2 phenotype via optimized low-dose RT. Low-dose RT has the potential to significantly reduce debilitating surgeries and aggressive treatments required for NF, providing a 3-prong benefit in terms of patient mortality, length of hospitalization stays, and cost of health care (both short term and long term). Low cost and easy availability of low-dose RT makes it a potentially useful option for patients of every age-group. In addition, low-dose RT may be a particularly useful option in countries treating many patients who are unable to afford surgeries, antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen.