Role for the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

The study investigated the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in chemotherapy-induced alopecia, particularly with cyclophosphamide treatment. Researchers used skin-targeted Egfr mutant mice and found that these mice were resistant to alopecia caused by cyclophosphamide, unlike control mice. The Egfr mutant skin entered catagen normally but did not progress to telogen, showing less proliferation, apoptosis, and fewer p53-positive cells. Additionally, EGFR inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib suppressed alopecia and catagen progression in control mice. Clinical trials also supported the involvement of EGFR in chemotherapy-induced alopecia. These findings suggested that targeting EGFR could help design therapies to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss.