Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in radiation dermatitis: A mini-review of the rationale and current evidence
Radiation dermatitis represents one of the most prevalent sequelae of external beam radiotherapy. It has been attributed to epithelial stem cell depletion, microvascular injury, and dysregulated inflammatory signaling. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), conventionally employed for hematologic support to treat chemotherapy-associated neutropenia, is increasingly being recognized as a pleiotropic cytokine with regenerative, angiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties, supporting its potential use in the management of radiation dermatitis. Over the past decade, conceptually compelling, though limited, clinical evidence has emerged suggesting that localized administration of G-CSF may accelerate re-epithelialization, preserve treatment continuity, and improve patient-reported outcomes in radiation dermatitis. This review integrates contemporary insights into cutaneous radiobiology with emerging translational and clinical data on G-CSF, underscoring it as a potential regenerative adjunct in supportive radiation oncology.
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