indication

For treatment of oral mucositis associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

pharmacology

Used in the prevention or treatment of oral mucoscitis (mouth ulcers arising from chemotherapy), Kepivance binds to the human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) receptor on buccal cell surfaces. Kepivance acts as both a cell growth and survival factor by stimulating epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration around the tongue and mouth. The KGF receptor is found on many tissues particularly around the tongue, esophagus, salivary gland and other gastro-intestinal tract organs.

mechanism of action

Kepivance binds to the human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) receptor found on buccal cell surfaces. The binding activates a Ras-MapK (Map kinase) signaling pathway which leads to the transcriptional activation of many proteins important for cell growth and survival.