palifermin

A drug used to prevent and treat severe oral mucositis (mouth sores). It is used in patients with certain types of blood cancer who are being treated with high-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by a stem cell transplant. It is also being studied in the prevention and treatment of common side effects in other types of cancer. Palifermin is form of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) that is made in the laboratory. KGF stimulates the growth of cells in the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Palifermin is a type of recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor. Also called Kepivance.