BACKGROUND. Tissue-engineered products are usually composed of living cells
and their supporting matrices that have been grown in vitro, using a combi
nation of engineering and life sciences principles. Apligraf is a bilayered
product composed of neonatal-derived dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes,
and Type I bovine collagen.
OBJECTIVE. To evaluate in a prospective, multicentered open study, the effe
cts of tissue therapy with a tissue-engineered skin (Apligraf) with partial
or full-thickness excisional wounds.
METHODS. One hundred and seven patients participated in this study. The tis
sue-engineered skin was applied once, immediately after excisional surgery,
usually for skin cancer, and patients were followed for up to one year.
RESULTS. The safety results were impressive, with no clinical or laboratory
evidence of rejection. Clinically, graft persistence was good to excellent
in 77 of 105 (73.3%) of patients at one week, falling to 56.6% and 53.6% a
t two weeks and one month respectively.
CONCLUSION. To date, this is the largest experience with a tissue-engineere
d skin product in acute wounds, and this study suggests that tissue therapy
may be safe and useful.