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Questions and Answers on Palifermin (Keratinocyte Growth
Factor)
What is palifermin?
Palifermin is a modified version of a naturally occurring human
protein called keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) that is manufactured
in a laboratory. KGF stimulates the growth of cells in tissues such
as the skin and the surface layer of the mouth, stomach, and colon.
KGF helps maintain the normal structure of the skin and
gastrointestinal surface (lining) and assists in repair of the skin
and gastrointestinal lining by stimulating cells to divide, grow and
develop. Palifermin, like the natural KGF, stimulates these cells to
grow and reproduce in animals and in humans.
What is palifermin used to treat?
Palifermin is used to reduce the chances of developing severe
mucositis (injury to the cells lining the mouth) and to shorten the
time with severe mucositis in patients with cancer who receive high
doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by stem cell
rescue. On average, patients treated with palifermin reported less
mouth soreness and used less narcotic pain medication than those in
the placebo-treated group. Similar findings were observed in a
smaller study in patients with leukemia and lymphoma undergoing bone
marrow transplantation. Palifermin has not been fully tested in all
types of cancer. It should be used only in patients with leukemia
and lymphoma. Studies to determine whether palifermin can be safely
used in other types of cancer are in progress.
What is mucositis?
Mucositis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes (lining of the
mouth and gastrointestinal tract) that can be caused by chemotherapy
and radiation therapy. Severe oral mucositis is a very common
complication of bone marrow transplantation for which there is no
effective treatment. Patients with severe oral mucositis develop
sores and ulcers in the lining of the mouth, causing pain and
difficulty eating and swallowing. In the most severe form, patients
need to receive nutrition and fluid into the veins because they
cannot eat or drink and may require narcotics (e.g., pain killers
such as morphine or oxycodone) for treatment of the associated pain.
While not generally life-threatening, it is a very important cause
of pain and the primary cause for poor nutrition in bone marrow
transplant patients.
How does palifermin work?
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy kill rapidly growing cells, both
tumor cells and normal cells, including hair, cells lining the
mouth, and blood cells. Palifermin works by attaching to a protein
called keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFr); after attachment
of cells to the receptor, the cells are stimulated to reproduce,
grow, and develop. Palifermin is believed to work by stimulating the
cells of the lining of the mouth. This leads to faster replacement
of the cells killed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy and speeds
up the healing process.
How is palifermin given?
Palifermin is given into the vein for 3 days just before the start
of chemotherapy/radiation therapy and for 3 days following
chemotherapy. Palifermin should not be given on the same day as
chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
What are the potential side effects associated with palifermin?
The most common side effects of palifermin are skin rash, unusual
sensations in the mouth (tingling, tongue thickness), and
asymptomatic increases in proteins in the blood suggesting
irritation of the pancreas. No serious side effects were reported
that were thought to be due to palifermin.
Where can I find more information on palifermin
and mucositis?
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Date created: December 14, 2004 |
