Radiation- and Chemotherapy-Induced Permanent Alopecia: Case Series

Abstract

Background: Radiation- and chemotherapy-induced alopecia is mostly temporary. However, permanent scalp alopecia is reported, albeit infrequently. Objective: The objective of this observational case series was to determine the kind and doses of chemotherapeutic agents and radiation in inducing permanent alopecia of the scalp. Methods and Results: Eleven patients referred to our department over a period of 3 years for permanent alopecia after chemotherapy/radiotherapy or combination therapy were included. A detailed medical and therapeutic history was obtained from each patient and from medical records. Photography was done, and the scalp biopsies were taken. Patients were divided into three groups according to the type of therapy. The first group received conditioning chemotherapy prior to bone marrow transplantation. The second group had radiation for brain tumors, and the third group received both. Conclusion: A comprehensive multicenter and multidisciplinary study is required to determine the definite causative agents, doses, and other cofactors that induce permanent alopecia following chemotherapy/radiotherapy, as well as the means to avoid this distressing outcome in surviving patients.