Cancer Treatments and Alopecia: A Systematic Review

The document reviewed the issue of alopecia as a common and noticeable side effect of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and newer targeted therapies. Alopecia, often non-scarring, typically began 2-3 weeks after chemotherapy and could take up to 3 months to resolve. The most severe cases were linked to alkylating agents, antimicrotubule agents, antitumor antibiotics, and topoisomerase inhibitors. Patients were advised to be informed and prepared for potential hair loss to minimize psychological distress. Strategies to prevent or treat alopecia included reducing drug delivery to hair follicles and using devices like DigniCap and Paxman, approved by the FDA for patients undergoing (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy. Although preclinical studies suggested potential benefits of pharmacological interventions, no such treatments were approved for alopecia caused by cancer therapies. The document highlighted the need for further research in preventing and treating treatment-induced alopecia.