Keloids scars are caused by an abnormal proliferation and deposition of collagen by the wound fibroblast.  It is thought that the formation of thickened scars or keloids is caused by a defect in the activity of TGF beta 1 growth factors, among other mechanisms.

A recent study from the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Federal University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, by Gragnani et al., documented the utility of topical Tamoxifen in the early management of keloid scars in burn patients.  Tamoxifen is a non steroidal anti-estrogen medication that is a mainstay drug in the treatment of breast cancer patients.

In the study reported in Arch Dermatol Res, July 28 2009; the authors believe that Tamoxifen may modulate the production and activity of TGF-beta 1, thus decreasing the fibroblast proliferation of collagen.

The practice of using Tamoxifen in a clinical study awaits further trials but the drug may become an important adjunct in the treatment of keloid scars.