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

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.