Cymetra: A treatment option for refractory ulcers

Background: Cymetra™ is a micronized, injectable form of AlloDerm® (LifeCell Corporation, Branchberg, New Jersey), an allogeneic dermal matrix product developed as a filler substance for cosmetic use. Recently, Cymetra has been reported to be effective in the healing of recalcitrant sinus tracts in two patients. Objective: The objective of the authors' study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Cymetra as an adjuvant in the treatment of a variety of chronic wounds. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who were treated with Cymetra at the CURE Wound Care Center at the University of Miami, Miami, Florida. Results: Patients with various types of chronic ulcers, including pyoderma gangrenosum, eosinophilic fasciitis, chronic pressure ulcers, post-operative ulcers, venous insufficiency ulcers, and livedo vasculitis, were treated with Cymetra injections. All patients had refractory disease and failed to respond to prior treatments, which included Apligraf® (Organogenesis, Canton, Massachusetts), Dermagraft (Smith & Nephew, Largo, Florida), V.A.C.® Therapy™ (KCI Inc., San Antonio, Texas), compression, etanercept, mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone, infliximab, cyclosporine, antibiotics, debridement, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide, and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF). Of the 13 patients treated with Cymetra, nine patients' ulcers (69%) healed completely. Conclusions: Cymetra was well tolerated, and the majority of patients achieved complete healing of their ulcers after treatment.