TLDR Radiotherapy can cause rare changes in hair color, which should be discussed with patients.
This case series reported on five patients who experienced changes in scalp hair pigmentation in the penumbral region after receiving volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for skin cancer. Four patients showed repigmentation from grey to black, while one patient experienced depigmentation from brown to grey during immunotherapy. Dosimetry recalculations for two cases indicated that repigmentation occurred at an average mean dose of 16 Gy over 26 fractions. This phenomenon of hair repigmentation following radiotherapy was rare and suggested that potential hair color changes should be discussed with patients as part of informed consent.
Cited in this study
4 / 4 results
1 citations
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July 2020 in “International journal of radiology & radiation therapy” Partial hair-sparing brain radiotherapy is possible and doesn't affect cancer control but still causes noticeable hair loss.
126 citations
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January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology” Oxidative stress contributes to hair graying and loss as we age.
120 citations
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November 2004 in “International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics” Higher doses of cranial irradiation are linked to permanent hair loss.
109 citations
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July 1993 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair color production is closely linked to the active growth phase of hair in mice and may also influence hair growth itself.
May 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Trimax-360 Serum, when used for 98 days, safely and effectively improves hair growth, thickness, and density without any side effects.
148 citations
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March 2019 in “Journal of autoimmunity” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss, often with other autoimmune disorders, but its exact causes are unknown.
May 2018 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with prostaglandin-F eye drops can significantly regrow hair in alopecia universalis.
