Radiation-Induced Alopecia: A Systematic Review of Incidence, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Management

This systematic review examines radiation-induced alopecia, a frequent complication following radiotherapy to areas like the scalp and craniospinal region. It identifies key risk factors such as high radiation doses, extensive scalp exposure, and concurrent chemotherapy, which can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. Preventive strategies discussed include advanced radiotherapy techniques like IMRT and proton therapy, while management options cover treatments like topical minoxidil and hair transplantation, though evidence for these remains limited. The review calls for standardized reporting and more robust studies to enhance hair loss prevention and improve patient quality of life. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to account for heterogeneity among studies.