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 explores the potential use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) during active chemotherapy for chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). While LDOM has shown promise post-chemotherapy with minimal adverse effects, its safety and efficacy during chemotherapy are not well-established. Scalp cooling is currently the only FDA-cleared method to mitigate CIA, but LDOM may offer benefits through mechanisms beyond vasodilation, such as impacting the hair cycle. Preclinical studies suggest LDOM could protect against alopecia and promote faster hair regrowth when used with certain chemotherapeutic agents. Given the psychological impact of CIA and limited treatment options, further investigation into LDOM's use during chemotherapy is needed.
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