Comparing Current Therapeutic Modalities of Androgenic Alopecia: A Literature Review of Clinical Trials

July 2023 in “ Cureus ”

Parth S Bajoria, Paresh Dave, Ralph Kingsford Rohit, Charu Tibrewal, Neena Modi, Seema Gandhi, Priyansh Patel

From the encyclopedia

Low Level Laser Therapy →

laser therapy for anti-inflammatory and likely insignificant hair regrowth effects

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This article examines advancements in understanding and managing androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), discussing genetic and psychological factors, diagnostic methods, classifications, and various treatment options, including traditional and emerging therapies, to aid healthcare professionals in making informed treatment decisions.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review "Comparing Current Therapeutic Modalities of Androgenic Alopecia: A Literature Review of Clinical Trials" analyzed 35 studies from 2013 to 2023 on Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), a hereditary hair loss condition linked to elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels and androgen receptor gene expression. FDA-approved treatments like topical minoxidil and oral finasteride have shown effectiveness, but their efficacy varies among patients and they can have side effects. Non-pharmacological treatments like Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy have shown promise, but require more rigorous trials. Newer treatments like 0.2% topical caffeine-based solutions, topical cetirizine 1%, adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs), botulinum toxin (BT) type A, and herbal shampoos and solutions are being explored. Hair transplantation has over 90% graft survival. However, a definitive treatment for AGA is yet to be found. Emerging therapies like gene therapies, stem cell-based treatments, and novel pharmaceutical agents require rigorous evaluation for safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes. The review calls for larger, longer studies as most clinical trials were short and had small sample sizes.

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research Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update

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This review suggests that stem cells might be a promising addition or alternative to standard treatments for androgenic alopecia, but larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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research Efficacy and Safety of Topical Finasteride Spray Solution for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Phase III, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

11 citations , October 2021 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

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research Efficacy of Cetirizine 1% Versus Minoxidil 5% Topical Solution in the Treatment of Male Alopecia: A Randomized, Single-Blind Controlled Study

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research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

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research A Proprietary Herbal Extract Against Hair Loss in Androgenetic Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium: A Placebo-Controlled, Single-Blind, Clinical-Instrumental Study

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research Similar Response Patterns to Topical Minoxidil Foam 5% in Frontal and Vertex Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Microarray Analysis

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This study found that topical minoxidil 5% foam was effective in promoting hair growth in both the frontal and vertex scalp for men with androgenetic alopecia.

research Cold X5 Hairlaser Used to Treat Male Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Growth: An Uncontrolled Pilot Study

15 citations , February 2014 in “BMC Research Notes”

This study found that male androgenic alopecia patients using the X5 hair laser device showed a statistically significant increase in hair growth over a 26-week period.

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research Preparation and Evaluation of a Multimodal Minoxidil Microemulsion Versus Minoxidil Alone in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia of Mixed Etiology: A Pilot Study

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research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update

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research Psychological Effect, Pathophysiology, and Management of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

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This article reviews the clinical, psychological, and management aspects of androgenetic alopecia in men, stating that it can be effectively managed by generalist clinicians with pharmacotherapy and surgical advancements.

research Different Gene Expression Profile Observed in Dermal Papilla Cells Related to Androgenic Alopecia by DNA Macroarray Analysis

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In this study, decreased expression of BMP2 and ephrin A3 and increased NT-4 gene expression were observed in dermal papilla cells from androgenic alopecia-affected skin, suggesting potential roles in hair growth regulation.

research Fortnightly Review: Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

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This article reviews the pathogenesis, genetic basis, and recent treatment breakthroughs for androgenetic alopecia but reports no new clinical findings.