A new study provides reassurance for women undergoing breast cancer treatment, indicating that low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) can safely and effectively combat hair loss without causing serious side effects. The research, conducted at NYU Langone Health, suggests that LDOM can improve hair growth or stabilize hair loss within a few months, helping patients restore their sense of self during a challenging time.
Minoxidil's Impact on Hair Loss During Cancer Treatment
Hair loss is a distressing side effect of chemotherapy that can significantly impact a patient's self-esteem and quality of life. Some patients may even avoid necessary chemotherapy to prevent alopecia. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, is commonly used for hair loss but has raised concerns due to its potential cardiovascular effects. The new study addresses these concerns, finding that low doses of oral minoxidil are safe for breast cancer patients.
Study Details and Findings
Researchers analyzed data from 51 women with breast cancer who took LDOM (1.25 mg per day) for more than one month between 2012 and 2023. Among these women, 25 received chemotherapy in addition to surgery or radiation, while 26 underwent surgery or radiation alone. The results indicated that all women experienced either hair regrowth or stabilization of hair loss within 3 to 6 months of starting LDOM.
According to Dr. Kristen Lo Sicco, associate professor of dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, minoxidil has proven to be both safe and effective for these patients. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, was funded by NYU Langone Health.
Safety Profile and Adverse Events
The study reported that 29 patients experienced 44 adverse events, the most common being hypertrichosis (61.4%). Importantly, no cardiovascular or life-threatening adverse events were reported. Devyn Zaminski, a medical student at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and co-lead author of the study, noted that patients not undergoing chemotherapy experienced side effects a median of 3 months later than those with a history of chemotherapy, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring.
Clinical Implications and Future Research
The findings suggest that clinicians can confidently prescribe LDOM to breast cancer survivors experiencing hair loss, even those who have used cardiotoxic drugs during chemotherapy. Additional research is needed to confirm these results and to assess the safety of minoxidil in individuals with other types of cancer or undergoing different chemotherapy regimens. The researchers emphasize the importance of dermatologists in treating hair loss, helping patients restore their identities and sense of control during cancer treatment.
