Pathogenesis and Treatment Options for Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: A Systematic Review

January 2018 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

Belén Rubio-González, Margit Juhász, Jamie Fortman, Natasha Atanaskova Mesinkovska

chemotherapy-induced alopecia CIA scalp cooling matrix keratinocytes follicular pigmentary system chemotherapeutic agents minoxidil bimatoprost calcitriol Rogaine

TLDR Scalp cooling is the most effective FDA-approved method to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss, but more research is needed for other treatments.

The 2018 systematic review examined chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), a side effect impacting approximately 65% of patients on classic chemotherapy. It was traditionally seen as a diffuse, nonscarring alopecia, but reports of permanent hair loss have increased. Scalp cooling was the most effective preventive measure, with a 50-80% response rate. The review included 51 studies and suggested that CIA results from direct toxicity to matrix keratinocytes and the follicular pigmentary system. Various chemotherapeutic agents were identified as causing CIA, with scalp cooling being the most effective FDA-approved prevention method. Pharmacologic treatments like minoxidil, bimatoprost, and calcitriol were mentioned, but their efficacy was unclear. The review called for more research into effective treatments and noted that insurance companies generally do not cover CIA prevention costs.

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20 / 20 results

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4 / 4 results

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