Expanding research and development of novel agents for the treatment and prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is the most common side effect of medication. This phenomenon is a common patient complaint and a source of significant psychological and physical distress. A major challenge in treating chemotherapy-induced alopecia is to protect the hair without altering the effects of the chemotherapeutic treatment regimen. The search for compounds that can significantly reduce or block damage to the hair follicle by chemotherapeutic agents is an active and dynamic area of research. At present, there are no FDA-approved treatments or preventative measures for chemotherapy-induced alopecia. To address this problem, a variety of new agents have emerged in patent applications. This report reviews 19 patents that have been submitted since 2000 for the treatment or prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

Keywords::

• anagen arrest
• anagen effluvium
• chemotherapy-induced alopecia