Chemotherapy-induced alopecia management: Clinical experience and practical advice.
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Alfredo
A
Rossi
Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Maria Caterina
MC
Fortuna
Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Gemma
G
Caro
Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Giulia
G
Pranteda
Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Valentina
V
Garelli
Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Umberto
U
Pompili
Dermatology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, II School, Rome, Italy.
Marta
M
Carlesimo
D000505:Alopecia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors
chemotherapeutic drugs; hair loss; skin reactions