Alopecia in Patients Treated with Molecularly Targeted Anticancer Therapies

The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 119 clinical trials (89 phase II and 30 phase III) to assess the incidence and risk of alopecia in patients undergoing molecularly targeted anticancer therapies. It found that the overall incidence of all-grade alopecia was 14.7%, with a range from 2.2% for bortezomib to 56.9% for vismodegib. The relative risk (RR) of developing all-grade alopecia was 7.9 times higher compared to placebo, but 0.32 times lower when compared to chemotherapy. The study highlighted that targeted therapies are associated with a significant risk of alopecia, although less than that of chemotherapy. It also discussed the variability in alopecia patterns, potential for resolution after treatment cessation, and other hair abnormalities like textural changes and dyspigmentation. The study pointed out the underreporting of alopecia in clinical trials and called for more research to better understand and manage alopecia in patients receiving targeted anticancer therapies. The research was supported by the RJR Oncodermatology Fund and an NIH/NCI Cancer Center Support Grant.