A randomized trial of minoxidil in chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

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.