Basic fibroblast growth factor treatment for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug associated gastric ulceration.

An open, pilot study tested the safety and efficacy of an acid stable form of the angiogenic protein basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for healing of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) associated gastric ulcers in five patients with nine gastric ulcers that were resistant to conventional treatment (4) or had relapsed (5). Oral bFGF treatment for four weeks was safe and well tolerated. There was no evidence of systemic absorption. After four weeks, four ulcers had healed and there was a 89 (3)% mean (SEM) reduction in the area of the others. A controlled, comparative trial of this novel growth factor treatment is warranted.