Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
A New Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Hair Loss in Mice Using Grayscale Analysis
Published on: March 9, 2015
Alopecia in patients treated with molecularly targeted anticancer therapies
V R Belum1, K Marulanda2, C Ensslin3
1Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York.
Background:
The introduction of molecularly targeted anticancer therapies presents new challenges, among which dermatologic adverse events are noteworthy. Alopecia in particular is frequently reported, but the true incidence is not known.
Patients And Methods:
We sought to ascertain the incidence and risk of developing alopecia during treatment with approved inhibitors of oncogenic pathways and molecules [anaplastic lymphoma kinase, breakpoint cluster region-abelson, B-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma, Bruton's tyrosine kinase, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, epidermal growth factor receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, Janus kinase, MAPK/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) Kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, smoothened, vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, platelet derived growth factor receptor; proteasomes; CD20, CD30, CD52]. Electronic database (PubMed, Web of Science) and ASCO meeting abstract searches were conducted to identify clinical trials reporting alopecia. Meta-analysis was conducted utilizing fixed- or random-effects models.
Results:
The calculated overall incidence of all-grade alopecia was 14.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.6% to 17.2%]-lowest with bortezomib, 2.2% (95% CI 0.4% to 10.9%), and highest with vismodegib, 56.9% (95% CI 50.5% to 63.1%). There was an increased risk of all-grade alopecia [relative risk (RR), 7.9 (95% CI 6.2-10.09, P ≤ 0.01)] compared with placebo, but when compared with chemotherapy, the risk was lower [RR, 0.32 (95% CI 0.2-0.55, P ≤ 0.01)].
Conclusions:
Targeted therapies are associated with an increased risk of alopecia.
Insights
Molecularly targeted therapies can cause hair loss (alopecia), with an overall incidence of 14.7%. While the risk is higher than with placebo, it is lower compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Molecularly targeted anticancer therapies introduce new challenges, including dermatologic adverse events.
- Alopecia is a frequently reported side effect, but its precise incidence remains unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and risk of alopecia in patients treated with approved inhibitors of oncogenic pathways.
- To compare the risk of alopecia associated with targeted therapies versus placebo and chemotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science) and ASCO meeting abstracts for relevant clinical trials.
- Meta-analysis using fixed- or random-effects models to calculate incidence and relative risk of alopecia.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence of all-grade alopecia was 14.7% (95% CI 12.6% to 17.2%).
- Incidence varied significantly by drug, from 2.2% for bortezomib to 56.9% for vismodegib.
- Targeted therapies showed an increased risk of alopecia compared to placebo (RR 7.9) but a decreased risk compared to chemotherapy (RR 0.32).
Conclusions:
- Targeted anticancer therapies are associated with a notable risk of alopecia.
- The incidence and risk vary depending on the specific targeted agent used.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...