Minoxidil Is a Potential Neuroprotective Drug for Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

The study found that minoxidil, a drug commonly used for hair loss, has potential as a neuroprotective drug for paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. Mice treated with minoxidil before paclitaxel treatment were protected from thermal insensitivity and were able to recover from mechanical allodynia. Minoxidil also showed a protective effect against paclitaxel-induced neuropathy and improved the ultrastructure of sciatic nerves. Additionally, minoxidil showed a synergistic anti-tumor effect with paclitaxel and improved hair quality after paclitaxel treatment. The study concluded that minoxidil is a potential neuroprotective drug for CIPN and could be used in early-stage clinical trials to prevent CIPN.