Growth factors are low molecular weight peptides which are produced in an organism under normal as well as pathological conditions. Under their influence, variety of responses occur — differentiation, stimulation of function, changes of shape, locomotion, proliferation, apoptosis. They affect every disease characterized by tissue damage and repair, as well as the processes of ageing and neoplastic transformation.

In this paper the following growth factors are reviewed: platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factors alpha and beta, and acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors, from the point of view of their actual or potential therapeutic significance.

We see the main clinical promises in possible influencing the process of wound healing by growth factors as they regulate all important phases of this process. At present time, therapeutical use of most of the mentioned growth factors is in the phase of successful clinical trials.

Transforming growth factors and basic fibroblast growth factor are closely connected with tumour growth and their diagnostic and/or prognostic value is promising. Use of specific antibodies against these growth factors means another possibility for the treatment of malignant diseases.

Biological therapy with growth factors represents qualitatively new approach in therapy of many diseases. They are going to be a new class of drugs with great future perspectives.