Protection Against Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: Targeting ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters in the Hair Follicle
November 2013
in “
Trends in pharmacological sciences
”
TLDR Increasing ABC transporters in hair follicles may prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
The article discussed potential strategies to prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia by enhancing the hair follicle's defense mechanisms. It proposed increasing the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in the hair follicle epithelium through topical agonists for regulatory nuclear receptors. This approach aimed to reduce the accumulation of cytotoxic drugs in hair follicles, thereby preventing hair loss. The authors suggested that developing hair follicle-targeted formulations, possibly using nanoparticle technology, could offer new therapeutic options, significantly benefiting cancer patients both psychologically and physically.