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.
122 citations,
March 2013 in “Expert opinion on drug delivery” Optimizing drug delivery to hair follicles is crucial for effective treatment.
218 citations,
January 2013 in “The Lancet Oncology” Chemotherapy causes hair loss by damaging hair follicles and stem cells, with more research needed for prevention and treatment.
75 citations,
October 2012 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Alopecia areata can be triggered by specific immune cells without genetic or environmental factors.
105 citations,
December 2009 in “Archives of dermatology” A specific drug can help treat Lichen Planopilaris, a condition causing permanent hair loss.
May 2023 in “International journal of molecular sciences” The ABCA4 gene protects hair follicle stem cells from toxic vitamin A byproducts.
November 2021 in “Austin therapeutics” Current treatments for hair loss from chemotherapy are limited, but new methods are being researched.
10 citations,
January 2019 in “Biomarker Insights” Scalp cooling to prevent hair loss from chemotherapy works for some but not all, and studying hair damage markers could improve prevention and treatment.
10 citations,
September 2021 in “JAMA Dermatology” Different types of persistent hair loss after chemotherapy respond differently to treatments.
25 citations,
July 2019 in “Experimental Dermatology” Cholesterol balance is important for hair health, and problems with it can lead to hair loss conditions.
