Insights Into the Biology of Persistent Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia via Genomic Approaches—An Avenue to Clinical Translation?

A major concern among patients with cancer is hair loss secondary to chemotherapy, an adverse effect that occurs among approximately 65% of patients who undergo this form of therapy.¹ The association between chemotherapy and hair loss is well known across society, and chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) can, therefore, induce a sense of violated privacy, or even shame, among those affected. The association of this adverse effect with reduced self-esteem, social confidence, and sexuality is particularly devastating for women. The anticipation of CIA is so distressing that some female patients even seriously consider refusing chemotherapy treatment.²