M. Duvic, N. A. Lemak, V. Valero
Jul 1, 1996
Citations
2
Influential Citations
142
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hair loss is a side effect of many chemotherapeutic agents, and patients have even refused possibly palliative or lifesaving drugs because they could not accept temporary or prolonged baldness. Topical minoxidil has been shown to be effective for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to investigate the value and safety of minoxidil in chemotherapy-induced hair loss. METHODS Twenty-two women who were facing adjuvant chemotherapy after breast surgery were registered in a protocol that used a 2% minoxidil topical solution or a placebo in a randomized double-blind trial. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference (favoring minoxidil) in the interval from maximal hair loss to first regrowth. Thus the period of baldness was shortened (mean, 50.2 days) in the minoxidil group. CONCLUSION Minoxidil decreased the duration of alopecia caused by chemotherapy. There were no significant side effects.