CLINICAL-APPLICATION OF GROWTH-FACTORS IN CUTANEOUS WOUND-HEALING - CURRENT STATUS

Growth factors are polypeptides that regulate cell proliferation, synt hesis, and differentiation. Growth factors are now believed to play an important role in mediating tissue repair. Initial clinical trials of growth factors as pharmacological agents in the treatment of cutaneou s wounds have demonstrated only modest therapeutic efficacy. However, improved understanding of growth factor synergy, dosage requirements a nd interactions with other elements of the wound environment may one d ay lead to the routine use of growth factors in the therapy of cutaneo us wounds.