Effects of Scalp Lotion Containing Alpha Lipoic Acid Derivatives for Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study

April 2025 in “ Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice ”

Takahiro Hiratsuka, Yohei Kono, Chiho Tomimatsu, Tetsuji Ohyama, Takayuki Aiba, Y. Ueda, Kae Matsuda, Akio Shiromizu, Masafumi Inomata

alpha lipoic acid derivatives chemotherapy-induced alopecia gastric cancer colorectal cancer ALADL

TLDR The scalp lotion helped increase hair thickness in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

This study investigated the effects of a scalp lotion containing alpha lipoic acid derivatives (ALADL) on chemotherapy-induced alopecia in 21 patients with gastric and colorectal cancer. The study found that patients using ALADL experienced a significant increase in hair diameter after three courses of chemotherapy compared to those who did not use the lotion. Additionally, the ALADL group did not show a significant worsening in gross alopecia grade. However, the study suggests that a randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings.

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research The Utility of DHL-HisZnNa, a Novel Antioxidant, Against Anticancer Agent-Induced Alopecia in Breast Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Phase II Clinical Trial

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DHL-HisZnNa may help reduce hair loss from chemotherapy, but more research is needed.

research A Clinical and Biological Guide for Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia and Its Prevention

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Scalp cooling can help prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss with a 50-90% success rate and is safe for patients.

Hair Shaft Abnormalities After Chemotherapy and Tamoxifen Therapy in Patients With Breast Cancer Evaluated by Optical Coherence Tomography

research Hair Shaft Abnormalities After Chemotherapy and Tamoxifen Therapy in Patients With Breast Cancer Evaluated by Optical Coherence Tomography

16 citations , October 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Chemotherapy can cause significant hair thinning and changes in hair texture, while tamoxifen has a smaller effect.

The Alpha-Lipoic Acid Derivative Sodium Zinc Dihydrolipoylhistidinate Reduces Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia in a Rat Model: A Pilot Study

research The Alpha-Lipoic Acid Derivative Sodium Zinc Dihydrolipoylhistidinate Reduces Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia in a Rat Model: A Pilot Study

8 citations , April 2011 in “Surgery today”

A substance called sodium zinc dihydrolipoylhistidinate can significantly reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapy in rats.

research Hair Cycle and Hair Pigmentation: Dynamic Interactions and Changes Associated with Aging

152 citations , December 2003 in “Micron”

As people age, their hair follicles produce less pigment, leading to gray and white hair, due to factors like reduced enzyme activity and damage to melanocyte DNA.

research A Randomized Trial of Minoxidil in Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

127 citations , July 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil shortens baldness from chemotherapy by 50.2 days without significant side effects.