Chemotherapy induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most common and emotionally traumatic side effects in cancer
patient care. CIA occurs with an estimated incidence of 65% and negatively affects a patient°Øs perception of
appearance, body image, attractiveness, and self-esteem. Patient who fear CIA may select regimens with less
favorable outcomes or may refuse treatment.
CIA is caused by certain chemotherapeutics such as anthracyclines and taxanes. The incidence and severity of CIA
depends on dose, administration route, rate, schedule, and peak blood level of the drug. The keratinocytes of hair
follicle are susceptible to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics. Fortunately, CIA is usually reversible but
permanent CIA also has been reported.
The major approaches to prevent or minimize CIA are by physical and pharmacological means. Several
experimental studies to the development of pharmacological agents to overcome CIA are under evaluation.
However, effective methods for preventing CIA are currently unavailable.
The management of CIA must be individualized based on the needs of each patient. An effective CIA treatment
would likely require agents that are effective for chemotherapeutics with different action mechanisms and selective
to hair follicles.
PDF Links
Full text via DOI
Download Citation 
