Keloid Excision and Recurrence Prophylaxis Via Intradermal Interferon‐Gamma Injections: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Keloids are an abnormal response to wound healing distinguished by an overproduction of collagen. Thickened bundles of collagen in the reticular dermis oriented haphazardly in relation to the overlying epithelium are found in keloids, in contrast to thinner collagen fibers in a more orderly arrangement that are found in normal scars. Previous clinical trials of intralesional interferon-gamma (IFN-G) injections by Larrabee et al. and Granstein et al. showed a decrease in lesion size. These findings led to a conclusion that IFN-G would be a useful adjunct to surgical excision of keloids to aid in preventing recurrence. We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with two or more keloids treated with excision and subsequent local injections of IFN-G or placebo.

Off-label uses of biologics in dermatology: Interferon and intravenous immunoglobulin (Part 1 of 2)

“…[75][76][77] One small study did not find interferon gamma to be helpful in preventing recurrence of keloids after surgical excision. 78 However, the dose of interferon gamma used in this study was low.…”

“…74 Both interferon gamma and interferon alfa-2b have been evaluated as potential monotherapy or adjuvant treatments for keloids and hypertrophic scars (Table VII). 72,[75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83] Three small prospective studies involving 23 participants have shown intralesional interferon gamma to be beneficial in the reduction of hypertrophic scar and keloid size. [75][76][77] One small study did not find interferon gamma to be helpful in preventing recurrence of keloids after surgical excision.…”

An overview of the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of keloids

“…Naeini et al [44] reported that bleomycin is effective in treating keloids, while the RCT of Broker et al [45] revealed that interferon g therapy is also effective. However, Davison et al [46] reported that their RCT of interferon a-2b showed it was not effective in treating the 39 keloids that were examined: they concluded that it is not useful for the clinical management of keloids.…”

Treating the Elusive Keloid

“…Broker et al 21 performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with 2 or more keloids treated with excision and subsequent local injections of interferon gamma or placebo. They found that interferon gamma did not prevent keloid recurrence.…”