What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for alopecia include topical and oral minoxidil, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy agents like DPCP and SADBE. For minoxidil, side effects can include scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair growth, and dizziness. Oral minoxidil, used off-label, may cause more systemic effects such as fluid retention, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure. Corticosteroids can lead to skin thinning and systemic effects if used long-term. Immunotherapy agents like DPCP and SADBE may cause severe dermatitis and allergic reactions.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for androgenetic alopecia, available in topical formulations of 2% and 5% solutions, as well as a 5% foam. Minoxidil works by promoting vasodilation, which increases blood flow to hair follicles, thereby stimulating hair growth. While low-dose oral minoxidil is being studied for its potential benefits, the topical forms are currently the standard FDA-approved treatments for hair regrowth in alopecia.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to low-dose oral minoxidil for alopecia patients include: 1) Thread monofilament therapy (PLLA) combined with minoxidil, which has shown accelerated hair growth in female androgenetic alopecia. 2) Topical combination of 0.25% finasteride and 3% minoxidil, which has demonstrated efficacy in female pattern hair loss. 3) Injected bimatoprost 0.03% solution, which has been effective in treating female-pattern androgenetic alopecia. 4) Latanoprost 0.1% topical treatment, which has shown potential in hair growth and pigmentation in androgenetic alopecia.

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Vasodilator

Oral Minoxidil for Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

Q: What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for alopecia include topical minoxidil, excimer laser, and spironolactone. Topical minoxidil works by stimulating cutaneous blood flow, which may enhance hair follicle function and promote hair growth. The excimer laser emits UVB light to induce T cell apoptosis, potentially reducing autoimmune attacks on hair follicles. Spironolactone, an aldosterone antagonist, blocks androgen receptors and weakly inhibits androgen synthesis, which can be beneficial in androgenetic alopecia. Understanding these mechanisms helps patients and doctors choose the most appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause of hair loss and the specific needs of the patient.

Phase < 1

Waitlist Available

Led By Jennifer N Choi, MD

Research Sponsored by Northwestern University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 48 weeks

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing a low dose of oral minoxidil to help people who have lost their hair permanently due to chemotherapy. The goal is to see if this medication can safely and effectively promote hair regrowth and improve patients' quality of life. Oral minoxidil has been proposed as a safe alternative to topical minoxidil for treating hair loss, showing efficacy in various studies.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults over 18 with permanent hair loss from chemotherapy, finished at least 6 months ago. They must not be pregnant or nursing, agree to use contraception, and have no history of certain conditions like hypotension or hypersensitivity to the drug's components. Those on other alopecia treatments within the last 3 months or current cancer treatment are excluded.

What is being tested?

The study tests low-dose oral minoxidil for treating permanent hair loss caused by chemotherapy. It's an open-label pilot study, meaning both researchers and participants know what treatment is being given without any comparison group.

What are the potential side effects?

Possible side effects of oral minoxidil may include a drop in blood pressure, skin reactions where the medication is applied, changes in heart rate, fluid retention leading to swelling (edema), and unwanted facial/body hair growth.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 48 weeks

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~48 weeks

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 48 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in degree of hair regrowth using the Dean Scale

Change in degree of hair regrowth using the IPAQ scale

Secondary study objectives

Change in quality of life

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Minoxidil TreatmentExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Low dose oral minoxidil

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for alopecia include topical minoxidil, excimer laser, and spironolactone. Topical minoxidil works by stimulating cutaneous blood flow, which may enhance hair follicle function and promote hair growth. The excimer laser emits UVB light to induce T cell apoptosis, potentially reducing autoimmune attacks on hair follicles. Spironolactone, an aldosterone antagonist, blocks androgen receptors and weakly inhibits androgen synthesis, which can be beneficial in androgenetic alopecia. Understanding these mechanisms helps patients and doctors choose the most appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause of hair loss and the specific needs of the patient.

Natural history of androgenetic alopecia.Dose-response study of topical minoxidil in male pattern alopecia.Alopecia areata treated with topical minoxidil.