Prevention of Chemotherapy Drug-Mediated Human Hair Follicle Damage: Combined Use of Cooling with Antioxidant Suppresses Oxidative Stress and Prevents Matrix Keratinocyte Cytotoxicity

This study explores the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia by combining scalp cooling with antioxidants to protect hair follicles from damage. Chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin and 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, leading to hair follicle dystrophy. Cooling at 18°C effectively restores cell viability and hair growth, while cooling at 26°C is less effective. However, combining 26°C cooling with antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine achieves similar protective effects, reducing apoptosis and restoring hair follicle function. This combinatorial approach enhances scalp cooling efficacy, offering a promising strategy to prevent hair loss and improve cancer patients' quality of life during treatment.