TLDR Docetaxel treatment for breast cancer can cause permanent hair loss.
The review aimed to assess the risk of permanent alopecia associated with docetaxel treatment in breast cancer patients. A literature search identified three relevant studies. One case reported by Tallon et al. described a 72-year-old woman who experienced persistent scalp hair loss 13 months after completing a regimen including docetaxel, with minimal regrowth and a biopsy showing reduced hair follicles. This case highlighted the potential for docetaxel to cause permanent alopecia, although the overall incidence remained unclear due to limited data.
67 citations,
May 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Some chemotherapy can cause permanent hair loss.
61 citations,
April 2009 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Docetaxel and paclitaxel for breast cancer can cause permanent, severe hair loss.
19 citations,
June 2018 in “Breast Cancer Research and Treatment” Scalp cooling effectively prevents severe hair loss in breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel and is safe.
September 2024 in “Current Oncology” Docetaxel often causes hair loss, with limited effective treatments and no cure for permanent hair loss.
62 citations,
February 2011 in “Expert review of dermatology” Scalp cooling can reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss and should be available in all hospitals.
103 citations,
December 2011 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Chemotherapy often causes temporary hair loss, which is distressing and needs better treatment and support.
68 citations,
May 2012 in “Annals of Oncology” Some breast cancer chemotherapy can cause permanent hair loss.
