Etoposide in Patients With COVID-19 Infection

This is a randomized, open-label phase II study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of etoposide in patients with the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Randomization will be performed with a 3:1 allocation ratio. Treatment will be comprised of etoposide administered intravenously at a dose of 150 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 4 in patients with COVID-19 infection meeting eligibility criteria. Subsequent doses of etoposide will be allowed if the investigator and treating physician believe the patient had clinical benefit from etoposide therapy but subsequently has evidence of recurrent clinical deterioration. Subjects randomized to control will receive standard of care treatment. No placebo will be used.

The rationale for the use of etoposide to treat the cytokine storm in COVID-19 is the high mortality associated with the hyperinflammatory response to the virus, which is similar to that seen in other secondary types of Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Autopsy studies of Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID patients show a high number of cytolytic T cells in the lungs of such patients. Early autopsy results of COVID patients at Boston Medical Center demonstrate significant hemophagocytosis in lymph nodes and spleen. Comparable studies in the related coronavirus infection severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have demonstrated hemophagocytosis, a hallmark of HLH.15 By targeting the T cells and monocytes driving the cytokine storm in patients with the more severe forms of COVID infection, we hope to alleviate the progression of lung and multi-organ dysfunction characteristic of patients who die from this illness.