A Clinical Study of Hair Manifestations in Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy

July 2018 in “ IP Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology ”

Faizy Azeez, Malcolm Pinto, Manjunath Shenoy, Post Graduate

chemotherapy diffuse alopecia anagen effluvium

Studysummary In this study, hair changes like diffuse alopecia and anagen effluvium were common among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, highlighting the need for prior counselling to reduce patient anxiety.

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

The study conducted at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital in 2017 involved 50 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and aimed to assess the frequency and significance of hair manifestations. It found that 68% of patients experienced diffuse alopecia, while 52% had anagen effluvium. Although these hair changes were not serious, they could cause significant anxiety, suggesting that prior counseling should be provided to improve patients' quality of life.

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Research cited in this study

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research Hair Loss in Cancer Chemotherapy Patients

10 citations , July 2007 in “PubMed”

This study on 8 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy found that both anagen and telogen effluvium may contribute to diffuse moderate alopecia within a month of treatment onset.

research Cutaneous Side Effects in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Iressa (ZD1839), an Inhibitor of Epidermal Growth Factor

116 citations , December 2003 in “Acta Dermato Venereologica”

This study reports that Iressa, an anti-cancer agent, commonly causes acneiform eruptions and xerosis as cutaneous side effects, similar to other agents targeting epidermal growth factor receptors.