Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Isolation, Culture, and Characterization of Primary Dermal Fibroblasts from Human Keloid Tissue
Published on: July 28, 2023
Keloid pathogenesis and treatment
Ali Al-Attar1, Sarah Mess, John Michael Thomassen
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
Background:
Keloid management can be difficult and frustrating, and the mechanisms underlying keloid formation are only partially understood.
Methods:
Using original and current literature in this field, this comprehensive review presents the major concepts of keloid pathogenesis and the treatment options stemming from them.
Results:
Mechanisms for keloid formation include alterations in growth factors, collagen turnover, tension alignment, and genetic and immunologic contributions. Treatment strategies for keloids include established (e.g., surgery, steroid, radiation) and experimental (e.g., interferon, 5-fluorouracil, retinoid) regimens.
Conclusion:
The scientific basis and empiric evidence supporting the use of various agents is presented. Combination therapy, using surgical excision followed by intradermal steroid or other adjuvant therapy, currently appears to be the most efficacious and safe current regimen for keloid management.
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