A systematic review of the potential treatment effects of topical epidermal growth factor for ocular surface disorders.

PURPOSE

This systematic review, evaluated the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in corneal wound healing and the pathogenesis of ocular surface disorders (OSDs).

METHODS

The clinical and experimental application of topical EGF therapy for OSDs was reviewed. This systematic research assessed articles published on PubMed/MEDLINE from 2000 to 2023 and summarized and discussed the findings of 38 experimental and 10 clinical studies. Reporting adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

The role of EGF and its receptor (EGFR) is indispensable in corneal wound healing after injury. The most important downstream molecular pathways are the MAPK/Erk and PI3K/Akt pathways, which lead to proliferation, migration, and differentiation of corneal epithelial cells. Other EGF-related pathways, such as Decorin and Erk signaling (decreasing Pax6), as well as upregulating VEGF, contribute to early and late remodeling after corneal healing. The effect of EGF on corneal wound healing is dose-dependent, and it interacts with other important pathways, such as TGF-β.

CONCLUSIONS

There are several studies on animals and humans that showed promise for topical EGF therapy in the form of drops, ointments, or loaded contact lenses for a variety of OSDs, such as dry eye disease, neurotrophic ulcers, and pterygium excision. The reported OSDs after using EGFR inhibitors for oncology patients, and their favorable response to topical EGF therapy, further support the significance of EGF in the pathogenesis and treatment of OSDs. However, current clinical evidence is scarce, and high-quality studies are warranted to confirm the therapeutic role of EGF topical treatment for a variety of OSDs and determine the most effective yet safe concentrations.