Further Research Needed If Finasteride Is to Become Standard of Care for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

March 2016 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”

Melissa J. Danesh, Jenny E. Murase

finasteride frontal fibrosing alopecia FFA 5-alpha reductase inhibitors 5aRi male breast cancer Propecia

Studysummary This editorial response discusses the evidence for using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors in treating frontal fibrosing alopecia, acknowledging its potential benefits while emphasizing the need for further studies to establish it as a standard treatment.

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

This article discusses the need for further research on the use of finasteride as a standard of care for frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). The authors respond to comments made on a previous study, acknowledging its limitations and the need for more data. They argue that the original study still favors the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5aRi) in women with FFA, but more research is needed to determine the effects of finasteride on patients with isolated FFA. The authors also address concerns about the potential risk of male breast cancer with finasteride use, but find it difficult to extrapolate this risk to women based on limited data. They conclude that 5aRi are a viable therapeutic option for women with FFA after alternative therapies have been exhausted and the risks and benefits discussed.

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7 / 7 results

research Increasing Utility of Finasteride for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

7 citations , May 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride helps treat frontal fibrosing alopecia, improving or stabilizing the condition in many patients.

research Reply to 'Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia'

5 citations , August 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article notes slow progression and spontaneous stabilization in untreated cases of a specific scarring alopecia and reports no new results; the authors call for randomized trials to confirm the treatment's benefit.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Multicenter Review of 355 Patients

339 citations , February 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement were linked to severe frontal fibrosing alopecia, and antiandrogens were the most effective treatment.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Assessment

54 citations , November 2007 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas”

Early diagnosis of frontal fibrosing alopecia is crucial to prevent permanent hair loss.

research Diagnostic and Therapeutic Assessment of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

16 citations , January 2007 in “Actas dermo-sifiliográficas/Actas dermo-sifiliográficas”

This review discusses frontal fibrosing alopecia and reports no clinical results; the authors note that no therapeutic options tested, including corticosteroids, finasteride, and minoxidil, have shown clear benefits.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Survey in 16 Patients

123 citations , August 2005 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

In this study, the researchers observed that treatment with intralesional and topical corticosteroids, finasteride, and minoxidil may stop the progression of frontal fibrosing alopecia in postmenopausal and premenopausal women.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in Postmenopausal Women

179 citations , December 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study observed that frontal fibrosing alopecia in postmenopausal women involves selective follicular inflammation, and finasteride treatment may slow disease progression, suggesting a potential androgen-related component.