Treating Scars: new technology

Scarring is a well described pathophysiological process. But at present we can do little about it. With the advent of immune-cell-altering biologicals, this will hopefully change.

 

Writing in The Lancet this week, researchers describe how early trials of the cytokine TGF-beta3 demonstrated efficacy against scarring in healthy volunteers who had a 1cm full thickness linear incision or punch biopsy in the inner arm.  

The anti-scarring cytokine was given as an injection immediately before and after injury, and the wound progress followed for one year. According to the authors, scarring was reduced in individuals who underwent the cytokine treatment, noticeable as early as six weeks after injury.  

“If subsequent studies confirm the current observations and extend them to use after trauma, they could transform practice such that scarring from operations, burns, and other injuries could be reduced,” the Lancet article notes.