Purpose: We tested the efficacy of oral recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) against radiation-induced oral mucositis in a rat model.
Methods and materials: Each of 35 Sprague-Dawley rats, 7 to 8 weeks of age and weighing 178 +/- 5 grams, was irradiated once in the head region with 25 Gy, using a 4-MV therapeutic linear accelerator at a rate of 2 Gy/min. The irradiated rats were randomly divided into four groups: those receiving no treatment (Group 1), those treated with vehicle only three times per day (Group 2), and those treated with 50 microg/mL (Group 3), or 100 microg/mL (Group 4) rhEGF three times per day.
Results: Rats were monitored for survival rate and daily activity, including hair loss, sensitivity, and anorexia. We found that survival rate and oral intake were significantly increased and histologic changes were significantly decreased in the rhEGF-treated rats. There was no difference, however, between rats treated with 50 microg/mL or 100 microg/mL rhEGF.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that orally administered rhEGF decreased radiation-induced oral mucositis in rats.