Abstract
Keloids represent an abnormal response to wound healing. Despite significant study into this area, the pathogenesis overall remains unclear. And though numerous therapies have been evaluated, many of these treatments have only been supported by weak evidence, and cosmetic results are often disappointing.With regard to pathogenesis, there is a genetic predisposition in certain populations to keloid development, and the role of epithelial and endothelial to mesenchymal transformation is being found to be important. Therapies that target this transition, such as mesenchymal stem cells, are being studied. Proteins that alter production of TGF-beta, a cytokine involved in the development of keloids, are being identified and represent potential upstream targets. So too are therapies targeting TGF-beta directly being studied. Finally, several therapies, new and old, have been evaluated in clinical trials.Insights into the pathogenesis of keloids have led to development of promising therapies for keloids.
