Palifermin
Palifermin is a recombinant form of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) used to reduce the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in patients undergoing cancer treatment. It works by stimulating the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of epithelial cells, helping to protect and repair the lining of the mouth and digestive tract. This medication is primarily used in patients with hematologic malignancies receiving high-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy before stem cell transplantation.
Palifermin is a growth factor therapy that protects and repairs epithelial cells in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation for blood cancers, primarily used to prevent severe mouth sores.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- V03AF08
- RxNorm
- 196319
- Generic
- Palifermin
- Class
- atc-v03
- Brands
- Kepivance
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Palifermin is indicated to reduce the incidence and duration of severe oral mucositis in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation followed by autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Palifermin is a recombinant keratinocyte growth factor that binds to the KGF receptor on epithelial cells. This binding triggers proliferation, differentiation, and migration of epithelial cells, helping to maintain and restore the integrity of the oral and gastrointestinal mucosal lining damaged by cancer treatments.
Palifermin should not be administered within 24 hours before or after chemotherapy, as it may stimulate proliferation of rapidly dividing cells including tumor cells. Common side effects may include fever, rash, and taste alterations. It is administered by intravenous injection and is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the product.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy