A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial Evaluating Recombinant Human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor B (rhPDGF-BB)-Enhanced Wound Matrix in the Reconstruction of Full-Thickness Head or Neck Defects Following Skin Cancer Excision
Skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma lesions that develop on the head and neck are treated by Mohs surgery or wide local excision to remove all tumor cells and preserve the normal tissue. These surgical techniques may result in large wounds requiring reconstructive surgery to restore function and aesthetics. Older, frail patients are particularly vulnerable to complications from these invasive procedures often leaving them to care for chronic wounds until a split-thickness skin graft can be placed. Recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF) is a manufactured protein that signals through the PDGF receptor, PDGFRβ, to mediate inflammation, granulation, angiogenesis, and remodeling during wound healing and skin repair and is FDA-cleared for diabetic neuropathic ulcers and periodontal bone and soft tissue reconstructions. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that rhPDGF may be a viable therapeutic strategy to augment the reconstruction of these complex surgical wounds by accelerating healing and reducing the time-to-readiness for skin graft placement.
• Underwent surgery to completely remove skin cancer, either Mohs micrographic or wide local excision, that left a full-thickness surgical defect of the head or neck measuring between 1.5-10cm in greatest dimension with clear margins as assessed in the pathology report.
• Margins of the wound cannot be approximated or closed with stitches, sutures, staples, or glue
• Surgeon does not plan for immediate skin graft or flap
• Aged \>21 years old
• Willing and able to provide informed consent for study participation and compliance with study protocol
• Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study