Nivolumab-Induced Alopecia Areata: A Case Report and Literature Review

January 2021 in “ Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology ”

Ki-Hun Kim, Woo‐Young Sim, Bark‐Lynn Lew

alopecia areata alopecia totalis nivolumab triamcinolone minoxidil immune checkpoint inhibitor lymphocytic infiltration hair follicles Rogaine

TLDR Nivolumab can cause hair loss as a rare side effect.

A 55-year-old male developed alopecia areata (AA) after 6 months of nivolumab treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, progressing to alopecia totalis despite treatment with triamcinolone and minoxidil. Histopathology confirmed AA with decreased hair follicles and lymphocytic infiltration. The case suggested that nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, can induce AA as a rare side effect, likely due to immune-related adverse events, though the exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Further research was needed to understand the mechanisms and improve management of such side effects.

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Research cited in this study

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research Immune-Related Alopecia (Areata and Universalis) in Cancer Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

87 citations, December 2016 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors may develop alopecia, but some hair regrowth is possible with treatment.

Clinical and Histological Challenge in the Differential Diagnosis of Diffuse Alopecia: Female Androgenetic Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium, and Alopecia Areata – Part II

research Clinical and Histological Challenge in the Differential Diagnosis of Diffuse Alopecia: Female Androgenetic Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium, and Alopecia Areata – Part II

30 citations, November 2012 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia”

Diagnosing diffuse alopecia, a hair loss condition, can be challenging and may require a scalp biopsy or tracking the disease's progression when symptoms and skin tests aren't enough.

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community Alopecia Areata Question

in Treatment 2 upvotes 3 years ago

A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

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in Chat 448 upvotes 2 years ago

Hair loss's social impact, focusing on Will Smith defending Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia. The conversation highlights double standards between men and women experiencing hair loss and emphasizes empathy.

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 101 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

community How essential is scalp biopsy when dealing with hair loss?

in Treatment 6 upvotes 1 month ago

The user experienced hair loss despite using Fin and Min for 12 years and switched to Dutasteride, RU58841, and Keto scalp serum, but shedding and itch persist. They are considering increasing Dutasteride to 2.5mg and questioning the necessity of a scalp biopsy, with mixed opinions on its usefulness.

community 25F and have been losing my hair for 10 years. Been to doctors, no issues with thyroid or hormones. No history of hair loss in my family. Wtf do I do?

in Question 12 upvotes 6 years ago

A 25-year-old woman has been losing hair for 10 years despite normal thyroid, hormone levels, and B12 supplementation. She has used Minoxidil with limited success and is considering hair transplants, Propecia, or shaving her head and wearing wigs.

community Losing hair everywhere, idk what to do :(

29 upvotes 5 years ago

A 22-year-old male has been experiencing widespread hair loss for over four years, including pain and significant shedding. Treatments tried include ketoconazole shampoo, fluocinonide topical solution, biotin, ACV, and dry shampoo, but none have been effective.

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research Twenty Nail Dystrophy with Alopecia Areata in an Atopic Child

April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.