Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Rapid Genetic Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Signaling During Hair Regeneration
Published on: February 28, 2013
Rapid hair depigmentation in patient treated with pazopanib
Robert Šeparović1, Mirjana Pavlović1, Tajana Silovski2
1Department of Medical Oncology, Klinicki Bolnicki centar Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia.
Abstract:
Pazopanib is multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Hair colour change is a common side effect of pazopanib therapy which usually develops gradually during few months of therapy. We report a case of the patient who developed multiple pazopanib side effects followed by rapid overnight hair and eyebrow depigmentation after only few weeks of therapy. In our research, we found no literature data of rapid loss of hair pigment due to therapy with any of listed multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case being reported. We presume that summation of different mechanisms probably led to rapid hair depigmentation. Considering the fact that pazopanib treatment was very effective in our patient, this side effect could be a good predictor of therapy success, although it presents very stressful event for patient and his family.
Insights
Pazopanib, a cancer drug, can cause rapid hair depigmentation, a rare side effect. This rapid hair color change may indicate successful cancer treatment, though it
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pazopanib is a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
- Hair color change is a known, gradual side effect of pazopanib therapy.
Observation:
- A patient experienced multiple pazopanib side effects.
- This was followed by rapid, overnight hair and eyebrow depigmentation within weeks of therapy.
Findings:
- This represents the first reported case of rapid hair depigmentation linked to pazopanib or similar multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
- The rapid depigmentation is presumed to result from a summation of various mechanisms.
Implications:
- Rapid hair depigmentation, while stressful, may serve as a potential indicator of pazopanib treatment efficacy.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and clinical significance of this side effect.
Related Concept Videos
Hair Cells
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Rapidly Varying Flow
Patient-centered Care
Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy

