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Review
. 2017 Dec;16(4):537-541.
doi: 10.1111/jocd.12308. Epub 2017 Feb 2.

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia management: Clinical experience and practical advice

Alfredo Rossi  1 , Maria Caterina Fortuna  1 , Gemma Caro  1 , Giulia Pranteda  1 , Valentina Garelli  1 , Umberto Pompili  1 , Marta Carlesimo  2
Affiliations
Review

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia management: Clinical experience and practical advice

Alfredo Rossi et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is probably one of the most shocking aspects for oncological patients and underestimated by physicians. Among hair loss risk factors, there are treatment-related aspects such as drug dose, administration regimen, and exposure to X-rays, but also patient-related characteristics. To the best of our knowledge, no guidelines are available about CIA management.

Aims and methods: With this study, based on literature background and our clinical experience, we would like to propose a list of actions in order to estimate the risk of hair loss before starting chemotherapy and to manage this condition before, during, and after drug administration and to create a sort of practical guide for dermatologists and oncologists.

Results and conclusion: There is an urgent need for prospective studies to clarify the mechanistic basis of alopecia associated with these drugs and consequently to design evidence-based management strategies.

Keywords: chemotherapeutic drugs; hair loss; skin reactions.

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References

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