Permanent Alopecia After Cranial Irradiation: Dose–Response Relationship

    Brian D. Lawenda, Havaleh Gagne, David P. Gierga, Andrzej Niemierko, Winnie Wong, Nancy J. Tarbell, George T.Y. Chen, Fred H. Hochberg, Jay S. Loeffler
    Image of study
    TLDR Higher doses of cranial irradiation are linked to permanent hair loss.
    In a study involving 26 patients, researchers sought to establish a dose-response relationship between cranial irradiation and the occurrence of permanent alopecia. They assessed 61 scalp regions across these patients, using a 4-point scale to score the degree of hair loss. The study found a significant correlation between the dose received by hair follicles and the development of permanent alopecia (p < 0.001). Additionally, a personal history of alopecia and chemotherapy use showed a borderline significant correlation with permanent hair loss (p = 0.059 and p = 0.068, respectively). Factors such as patient age, family history of baldness, gender, tobacco use, diabetes, and beam energy were not significantly correlated with alopecia. This research provides the first human dose-response data for follicle dose impact on permanent scalp alopecia post-cranial irradiation, aiding in treatment planning to minimize this side effect.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    4 / 4 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 799 results

      community This guy loses all transplanted hair?!

      in Transplants  160 upvotes 7 months ago
      A man lost his transplanted hair despite using minoxidil because he wasn't on a DHT blocker like finasteride, which is essential to prevent further hair loss. The conversation emphasizes that hair transplants are not a cure and require maintenance with medications to preserve results.

      community Can low level of vitamins cause hair loss?

      in Research/Science  21 upvotes 11 months ago
      The conversation is about whether low vitamin levels can cause hair loss. The consensus is that the user's vitamin levels are normal and unlikely to affect hair loss or the effectiveness of finasteride and minoxidil treatments.

      community Proof that finasteride messes with neurosteroids

      in Research/Science  230 upvotes 4 months ago
      Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.

      community Lost density 60% all over scalp in 120 days (4months)

      in Update  10 upvotes 5 months ago
      A user lost 60% hair density in 4 months, started finasteride and microneedling, and has greasy, flaky, yellowish scalp. They are awaiting biopsy results, and another user suggested trying ketoconazole shampoo.

      community scarring alopecia awareness in this community

      in Chat  33 upvotes 2 years ago
      Lichen Planopilaris (LPP), a form of permanent hair loss, which can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis and is characterized by scalp itching, burning, redness, and dandruff. Treatment options discussed include steroidal creams, finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

    Related Research

    7 / 7 results