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GHK-Cu for Keloid Scars Research: Comparison of Treatment Modalities

Before examining how GHK-Cu fits into keloid research frameworks, it's useful to understand where peptide-based modulation sits relative to established interventions. GHK-Cu (research peptide) TGF-β1 suppression, MMP-2 upregulation 40–60% reduction in pro-fibr

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  • Before examining how GHK-Cu fits into keloid research frameworks, it's useful to understand where peptide-based modulation sits relative to established interventions.
  • GHK-Cu (research peptide)
  • TGF-β1 suppression, MMP-2 upregulation
  • 40–60% reduction in pro-fibrotic signaling in vitro; no completed human trials
  • In vitro only; delivery challenges; copper stability issues
  • Promising for understanding keloid biology; not validated for clinical treatment
  • Intralesional corticosteroids (triamcinolone)
  • Suppresses fibroblast proliferation, reduces inflammation
  • 50–100% keloid volume reduction in 60–70% of patients (clinical data)
  • Requires repeated injections; skin atrophy; hypopigmentation
  • Clinical standard of care; proven but invasive
  • 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
  • Inhibits fibroblast DNA synthesis
  • 45–75% response rate when combined with steroids
  • Local ulceration; pain at injection site
  • Effective adjunct therapy; better when combined
  • Silicone gel sheeting
  • Hydration-mediated reduction in collagen production
  • Modest improvement (10–30% flattening) over 3–6 months
  • Requires 12+ hours daily use; compliance issues
  • Non-invasive; limited efficacy as monotherapy
  • Surgical excision
  • Physical removal of keloid tissue
  • 45–100% recurrence rate when used alone
  • High recurrence without adjunct therapy
  • Rarely used as standalone; combined with radiation or steroids