Alkylating agents can kill cancer cells but may cause skin and allergic reactions.
18 citations,
December 1996 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Chemotherapy and cytokine therapy can cause various skin reactions, including hair loss and hypersensitivity.
16 citations,
March 2017 in “Bone Marrow Transplantation” Some children who had stem cell transplants developed permanent hair loss, especially when treated with a drug called busulphan.
January 1990 in “Springer eBooks” Some chemicals can permanently or temporarily remove color from skin and hair, which can be distressing and is not well-regulated in cosmetics.
March 1965 in “Hospital Topics” Chemotherapy provides symptom relief and extends life in 30-50% of gynecological cancer cases, but has only cured choriocarcinoma.