Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

The document from January 27, 2012, provides a comprehensive overview of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia (CIA), a side effect affecting about 65% of chemotherapy patients. It explains that CIA occurs due to the damage to rapidly dividing hair follicle cells and varies based on the chemotherapy drug, dosage, and administration. Hair typically regrows 3 to 6 months after treatment, but changes in hair characteristics or permanent alopecia can occur. The document reviews experimental models for CIA, including animal models and a human organ-culture hair follicle model, but notes the limitations in these models. It discusses various prevention strategies, such as scalp cooling and pharmacological approaches like antioxidants and hair growth cycle modifiers, but acknowledges that no effective treatment has been established. The document also highlights the need for further research into CIA's molecular mechanisms and the importance of managing its psychological impact on patients.