Cooling-Mediated Protection from Chemotherapy Drug-Induced Cytotoxicity in Human Keratinocytes by Inhibition of Cellular Drug Uptake

October 2020 in “ PLoS ONE ”

Christopher Dunnill, Khalidah Ibraheem, Michael Peake, Myria Ioannou, Megan A. Palmer, Adrian L. Smith, Andrew Collett, Nikolaos T. Georgopoulos

scalp cooling chemotherapy-induced alopecia doxorubicin epirubicin anthracyclines human keratinocytes hair follicle-derived primary keratinocytes

TLDR Cooling can protect hair follicles from chemotherapy damage by reducing drug uptake.

The study investigated the protective effects of cooling on human keratinocytes against cytotoxicity induced by chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin and epirubicin. Cooling the cells to 22°C and 18°C significantly reduced the cellular uptake of these drugs, with up to an 8-fold reduction, thereby decreasing their cytotoxic effects. The research demonstrated that cooling was more effective at 18°C, particularly in primary NHEK cells and outer root sheath keratinocyte (ORSK) cultures, which are relevant to hair follicles. These findings suggested that cooling could protect hair follicles from chemotherapy-induced damage, supporting the clinical efficacy of scalp cooling in preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

research A Clinical and Biological Guide for Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia and Its Prevention

38 citations, September 2017 in “Oncologist”

Scalp cooling can help prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss with a 50-90% success rate and is safe for patients.

research Oxidative Damage Control in a Human Mini-Organ: Nrf2 Activation Protects Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Hair Growth Inhibition

58 citations, October 2016 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Activating Nrf2 protects human hair follicles from oxidative stress and helps prevent hair growth inhibition.

research Efficacy of Interventions for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

110 citations, August 2014 in “International journal of cancer”

Scalp cooling significantly reduces chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

research Pathobiology of Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

218 citations, January 2013 in “The Lancet Oncology”

Chemotherapy causes hair loss by damaging hair follicles and stem cells, with more research needed for prevention and treatment.

research Presentation, Impact and Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss: Scalp Cooling Potentials and Limitations

62 citations, February 2011 in “Expert review of dermatology”

Scalp cooling can reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss and should be available in all hospitals.

research Dissecting the Impact of Chemotherapy on the Human Hair Follicle

99 citations, September 2007 in “The American journal of pathology”

Chemotherapy damages hair follicles, causing hair loss and other cellular changes.

research A Hot New Twist to Hair Biology: The Role of TRPV1 in Human Hair Growth Control

174 citations, April 2005 in “The American journal of pathology (Print)”

Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, can slow down hair growth by affecting skin cells and hair follicles.

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community 4.5 months/ Fin+Niz+Keto+Vitamins+Derm+Cold Water only washes

in Progress Pictures 615 upvotes 4 years ago

User achieved hair regrowth in 4.5 months using Fin, Min, Nizoral, vitamins, dermarolling, and cold water washes. Cold water washes improved scalp health, but unsure if significant contributor to regrowth.

community Article of all potential future cures

in Treatment 25 upvotes 4 months ago

Ritlecitinib and PP405 show promise for hair regrowth. Diagnosing the cause of hair loss is crucial before treatment.

community Peace out ✌🏽 Tressless, I’ve went ahead and just shaved off my hair, I no longer want to deal with everything that comes with Finasteride and other drugs, I’ve made my peace, hope everyone in this Sub gain peace and results 💯

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 420 upvotes 3 years ago

The user's decision to shave their head rather than continue using drugs like finasteride and minoxidil to try and stop hair loss, as well as other suggestions such as scalp micropigmentation.

community 35m 1.5 months on oral fin/min is it too good to be true?

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A 35-year-old man, balding since 18, has seen growth of small, almost white hairs all over his scalp after 1.5 months on oral finasteride and minoxidil. Users suggest sticking with the treatment for a year, adding microneedling, and potentially trying RU58841 or dutasteride.

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 10 months ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community I always hear the advice to reduce scalp inflammation. What are some non-steroidal ways to reduce inflammation?

in Treatment 13 upvotes 2 months ago

Non-steroidal ways to reduce scalp inflammation include using topical melatonin, urea shampoo, Zyrtec, turmeric with black pepper, omega-3 supplements, a self-made topical solution with cetirizine, melatonin, and piroctone olamine, ketoconazole shampoo, witch hazel shampoo, tacrolimus, and lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise. Some users also mentioned unconventional methods like infrared light therapy and a carnivore diet.

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