Mucositis is a common, dose-limiting complication in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy, which appears to be a consequence of the rate of epithelial proliferation. The β transforming growth factors have been shown to be negative regulators of epithelial cell proliferation. Here we show that transforming growth factor β3 administration reduced proliferation of oral epithelium in vitro and in vivo. Topical application of transforming growth factor β3 to the oral mucosa of the Syrian golden hamster prior to chemotherapy significantly reduced the incidence, severity, and duration of oral mucositis, reduced chemotherapy-associated weight loss, and increased survival.

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Supported by Pfizer, Inc.

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©1994 American Association for Cancer Research.
1994
American Association for Cancer Research, Inc.