Mayo Clinic staff suggest that patients use their energy to keep healthy rather than being upset with how they look if they lose their hair (a condition called alopecia) during chemotherapy. But hair loss is still a concern for those fighting cancer with chemo. There are several common question that come up: What are the reasons for hair loss and what are some possible efforts at diminishing the negative effects of hair loss? Will there be hair loss during chemo and how much of it depends on the medication and strength of treatment prescribed? How you take care of your self-image may depend on your positive attitude, knowing the facts and support from friends and family.
The Good with the Bad
Chemotherapy drugs can kill cancer cells but may also attack other healthy cells in your body. Hair may be a casualty, both the hair on your head and in other areas. Hair loss from chemotherapy may begin a few days after chemotherapy begins, but tends to be temporary, and hair should begin to regrow four to six weeks after chemotherapy is finished. The likelihood and extent of hair loss can be determined to some degree by the course and strength of medication, so ask your doctor what to expect.
Emerging Research
The American Cancer Society reports the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline has developed a product called Compound 4, which inhibits the enzyme cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), responsible for regulating cell growth when applied directly to the fur of rats. When chemotherapy treatments were activated on rats, the area where Compound 4 was applied was relatively unaffected while other areas lost hair. This has yet to be proven effective with humans, however.
Different Chemotherapies
According to the Cancer Net website, different chemotherapy medications tend to have different effects on hair loss. Medications like adriamycin and vindesine usually do cause hair loss. Drugs like amsacrine and melphalan sometimes cause hair loss, and medications like methotrexate and cisplatin usually do not cause hair loss. A more complete list of chemotherapies and their likelihood of hair loss effects can be found at the CancerNet website (see Resources).
Coping
Mayo Clinic staff advise taking charge of the situation by planning your strategy. Before undergoing chemotherapy, consider cutting your hair or shaving your head to mitigate the immediate effect of chemo. They also recommend using very gentle shampoo and to avoid blow-drying or perming your hair before, during or after chemotherapy to give it the best chance of survival. Trying out head coverings, hats and wigs before you actually need them can also lessen the upset of losing hair during chemotherapy.
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