Growth Factor Therapy
Growth factor therapy is the use of growth factors to promote wound healing. Growth factors are substances secreted by the body whose function is to stimulate the growth and proliferation of the cells involved in wound healing and inflammation.
Wound healing is a complex process that can be divided into three phases: inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. The use of growth factor increases the number of wound-healing cells, therefore resulting in faster wound healing.
Uses
Although they can be used in medical conditions such as growth retardation, growth factors are mostly used for the treatment of wounds and other conditions such as muscle and radiation injuries.
Types
Some examples of different types of growth factors include:
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is secreted by the platelets and macrophages and stimulates proliferation of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. EGF may reduce the healing time of wounds when applied topically.
- Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) promotes the growth of cells known as keratinocytes, cells that secrete a protein called keratin.
- Transforming growth factors (TGFs) are a group of substances with different properties. TGF-a stimulates growth and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the affected area. TGF-b1 and TGF-b2 have been shown to promote the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), ensuring adequate blood supply to the healing wound.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a growth factor that promotes angiogenesis.
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a growth factor secreted by the platelets, which attracts fibroblasts and macrophages to the area of injured tissue.
The Procedure
Growth factors for wounds are often applied locally (topically). They may come in the form of gels that are applied directly to the wound. Palifermin, a type of keratinocyte growth factor, is given via injection into a vein and is indicated for the prevention of oral mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy. Another use for growth factor is in dental procedures to enhance bone growth comes in the form of a dental filler. Growth factors can also be incorporated into wound dressings or commercially available skin grafts.
Advantages over Other Treatments
One advantage of growth factor therapy is that it uses the body's own cells to promote healing. Its use may also speed up the time it takes for wounds to heal, resulting in a greater reduction of disability or discomfort for the patient. Since it is often applied topically, the incidence of systemic side effects is minimal. Growth factor therapy is a treatment option for wound healing and can be combined with other forms of treatment. In certain cases, it has been used in combination with topical oxygen therapy in deep partial-thickness (second-degree) burns.
Who Is a Candidate
Generally, growth factors can be used in patients with any type of wounds. Currently, growth factors are most often used for patients with chronic, non-healing wounds, such as chronic venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. One study reported the effectiveness of growth factors in combination with topical oxygen therapy for deep second-degree burns.
Precautions
Caution should always be taken when using growth factors, as their role in clinical practice is currently limited and further studies need to be done. Remember to always ask your doctor's advice before undergoing new medical therapies.
Related Articles
Skin Substitutes
Skin substitutes as a form of wound closure have been found useful since the earliest centuries of medical science. Skin is made up of epidermis (uppe...Biatain Foam
Biatain foam was introduced as early as the 1970s. Biatain foam is a soft, pliable dressing which is comprised of an outer layer that helps guard agai...Biologic Debridement
Biologic debridement is the use of living organisms to remove necrotic or dead tissue from a wound. The most commonly used biologic debridement method...Topical Wound Treatments
When it comes to wound care, the challenge is to strike a balance between keeping the wound clean and moist, while at the same time fighting off the b...Advanced Dressings
Biatain Foam Biatain foam is a soft, pliable dressing which is comprised of an outer layer that helps guard against bacteria and infection, and an in...Vacuum-Assisted Closure
Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is a sophisticated development of a standard surgical procedure—the use of vacuum-assisted drainage to remove bloo...Nutritional Support for Wound Healing
Nutritional support for wound healing can greatly affect the three stages of the process: the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases. Poor...Electromyography
Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that measures the health and function of the muscles and the nerves which controls these muscles. H...Nerve Studies
Nerve studies are also known as nerve conduction studies. These studies measure how well nerves send signals through the body. Uses This procedure i...Compression Stockings
Compression stockings or socks are special stockings used for the treatment of venous diseases such as varicose veins. These stockings can exert press...Vascular Studies
Vascular studies measure and assess the amount of circulation within the blood vessels. Uses This noninvasive procedure is used as a tool in the tre...Total Contact Casting
Total contact casting is a method used to treat diabetic foot ulcers by fitting a non-removable cast around the affected leg. The whole cast is in con...Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), involves breathing 100 percent oxygen at increased atmospheric pressures to increase...Low Level Laser Therapy
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a medical procedure used to treat pain and speed up wound healing. This treatment uses low-level lasers to alte...Ultraviolet Light Therapy
Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy has been used for centuries to help in the treatment of many skin conditions, disorders and diseases. While exposure to...At Home Wound Treatment
Applying first aid as initial medical care to a wound or an injury temporarily until a professional medical care is available can, in many cases, be l...Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves far beyond those that are distinguishable to human hearing. These high-frequency sound waves can be...Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Negative pressure wound therapy is a medical procedure in which a vacuum dressing is used to enhance and promote wound healing in acute, chronic and b...Wound Closure
Whether they are caused by surgery or injury, wounds generally must be closed for proper healing. Wound closure is typically done with sutures (stitch...Sutures, Stitches, and Staples
Sutures, stitches and staples are used for the same purpose - to close wounds or surgical incisions - but they are not the same. For sutures, doctors ...Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
A nerve conduction study (NCS) is used to determine electrical conduction within motor and sensory nerves, essentially determining the functionality o...Sharp Debridement
Sharp debridement is a surgical procedure that uses scissors, scalpels and other sharp instruments to cut away or remove infected tissue. It improves ...Antibiotics
Topical Antibiotics Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat an infection topically. This means that you will apply antibiotic creams, ointments or ...