[Alopecia and cancers: From basics to clinical practice]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Alopecia is a common side effect of cancer therapy, significantly impacting patients' quality of life.
• Recent advancements reveal diverse types of alopecia and their underlying molecular pathways in cancer patients.
• Alopecia can stem from cancer treatments (iatrogenic) or the disease itself (e.g., malnutrition, metastases).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted nature of alopecia in cancer patients.
• To understand the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of various alopecia types.
• To identify potential preventive, curative, and supportive care strategies for cancer-related alopecia.

Main Methods:

• Review of current knowledge on hair physiology and alopecia pathophysiology.
• Characterization of different alopecia types and molecular pathways in oncology.
• Analysis of iatrogenic and disease-related causes of alopecia in cancer patients.

Main Results:

• Alopecia in cancer patients is complex, with multiple iatrogenic and disease-related causes.
• Understanding specific mechanisms allows for targeted interventions.
• Scalp cooling therapy shows promise as a preventive measure, with ongoing development of curative treatments.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge of alopecia mechanisms is crucial for effective patient care in oncology.
• A comprehensive approach involving prevention, treatment, and supportive care is essential.
• Further research into therapeutic proposals can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.