Mechanism-Based Strategies for Prevention of Taxane-Induced Hair Follicle Damage in Cancer Chemotherapy

Taxanes, such as paclitaxel, are effective chemotherapy drugs but cause side effects like alopecia due to their action on microtubules, affecting rapidly dividing cells like those in hair follicles. Current strategies to mitigate hair loss include scalp cooling and cyclin kinase inhibitors. A promising new approach involves using low-intensity ultrasound to disrupt taxane-stabilized microtubules, potentially reversing their cytotoxic effects on hair follicles and preventing alopecia. This method offers a practical strategy to counteract hair loss during cancer treatment with taxanes.