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

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a prevalent and distressing side effect for breast cancer patients, particularly with anthracycline- and taxane-based regimens, where incidence can exceed 80-90%. Persistent CIA (pCIA) is more common than previously thought, affecting up to 67% of patients on doxorubicin regimens and nearly 50% on docetaxel combinations. The review, synthesizing data from 56 studies, emphasizes the need for standardized reporting and preventive strategies, as CIA significantly impacts patients' quality of life and is often underreported. Scalp cooling devices have shown effectiveness in reducing alopecia, highlighting the importance of developing targeted interventions to manage this side effect.