Radiation- and chemotherapy-induced permanent alopecia: case series.
BACKGROUND
Radiation- and chemotherapy-induced alopecia is mostly temporary. However, permanent scalp alopecia is reported, albeit infrequently.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this observational case series was to determine the kind and doses of chemotherapeutic agents and radiation in inducing permanent alopecia of the scalp.


RESULTS
Eleven patients referred to our department over a period of 3 years for permanent alopecia after chemotherapy/radiotherapy or combination therapy were included. A detailed medical and therapeutic history was obtained from each patient and from medical records. Photography was done, and the scalp biopsies were taken. Patients were divided into three groups according to the type of therapy. The first group received conditioning chemotherapy prior to bone marrow transplantation. The second group had radiation for brain tumors, and the third group received both.


CONCLUSIONS
A comprehensive multicenter and multidisciplinary study is required to determine the definite causative agents, doses, and other cofactors that induce permanent alopecia following chemotherapy/radiotherapy, as well as the means to avoid this distressing outcome in surviving patients.
Department of Dermatology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. haiderssm@yahoo.com
Mansoor
M
Haider
Issam
I
Hamadah
Abdulmonem
A
Almutawa
D000293:Adolescent; D000505:Alopecia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002066:Busulfan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D019172:Transplantation Conditioning; D055815:Young Adult
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D002066:Busulfan