Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil During Chemotherapy: A Review of the Mechanism and Current Evidence

    August 2025 in “ Skin Appendage Disorders ”
    Caitlin A. Kearney, Allison Gordon, Alina Markova, Azael Freites‐Martínez, Ian Tattersall, Jerry Shapiro, Mario E. Lacouture, Kristen I. Lo Sicco
    TLDR Low-dose oral minoxidil might help with hair loss during chemotherapy, but more research is needed.
    This review article evaluates the potential of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). Minoxidil's vasodilatory effects may promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and prolonging the anagen phase. Retrospective studies with 100, 216, and 51 patients show improved hair regrowth and density post-chemotherapy, especially when combined with 5% topical minoxidil. However, the safety and efficacy of LDOM during active chemotherapy remain unproven, and no direct human studies exist. The review calls for further research, including clinical trials, to establish standardized dosing, evaluate long-term outcomes, and monitor cardiovascular side effects and potential drug interactions.
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