Thus far the progress in our fight against cancer has come at a heavy price in the form of devastating side effects. While they are meant to kill cancer cells, most cancer drugs also destroy normal tissues. Mucositis (painful sores and ulcers in the lining of the mouth) is a common complication of chemotherapy and/ or radiation, affecting approximately 80% of patients who undergo this intensive treatment prior to bone marrow transplantation. In this condition, the cells lining the mouth and throat are damaged, making the patients’ everyday activities, such as eating, drinking, swallowing and talking, difficult or impossible. They require longer hospitalization, high doses of narcotics such as morphine, and intravenous feeding. 

With the discovery of a recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), trade name Kepivance®, there now is an effective treatment for this condition. Approved by the FDA in 2004, Kepivance®, this is a first of its kind of medicine that directly and effectively addresses the issue of a cancer patient’s quality of life. Currently this drug benefits approximately 11,000 adult Americans with hematologic malignancies who undergo bone marrow transplantation each year, and its use is projected to increase as it is used in conjunction with other cancer treatments. 

Awardees

National Cancer Institute 

• Dr. Jeffrey S. Rubin 
• Dr. Paul W. Finch 
• Dr. Stuart Aaronson