Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia in Breast Cancer Patients: Treatment-Specific Incidence and Risk of Persistent Hair Loss

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a significant and often underreported side effect of breast cancer treatment, with recent data indicating a higher incidence and persistence than previously thought. A scoping review of multiple databases revealed that anthracycline- and taxane-based regimens pose the highest risk, with severe alopecia affecting over 70% of patients and up to 93% when cyclophosphamide is combined with doxorubicin. Persistent CIA (pCIA) is notably higher than historical estimates, occurring in up to 67% of patients on doxorubicin-based regimens and nearly 50% on docetaxel combinations. The study highlights the need for standardized reporting, long-term follow-up, and effective preventive strategies to address CIA as both an acute and long-term concern in breast cancer care.