Radiation- and Chemotherapy-Induced Permanent Alopecia: Case Series

    January 2013 in “ Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery ”
    Mansoor A. Haider, Issam Hamadah, Abdulmonem Almutawa
    Image of study
    TLDR Some cancer treatments can cause permanent hair loss.
    The document reported on an observational case series involving 11 patients who developed permanent alopecia following chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both, particularly after conditioning for bone marrow transplantation. Scalp biopsies indicated reduced follicular densities and miniaturization without scarring or inflammation. The study suggested that permanent alopecia can result from high doses of radiation (with 43 Gy causing permanent hair loss in 50% of patients) and certain chemotherapeutic agents, although not all patients are affected. Factors like serum busulfan concentration may play a role in the development of chemotherapy-induced permanent alopecia (CIPAL). The study called for further research to identify causative factors and preventive measures, noting that options like dose reduction and scalp hypothermia might help prevent CIPAL. The document emphasized the distress caused by permanent alopecia and the need for strategies to minimize its occurrence.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    9 / 9 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 799 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

    8 / 8 results