Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025

Rapid Genetic Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Signaling During Hair Regeneration
Published on: February 28, 2013
Scalp hair repigmentation after radiotherapy.
Andrew Maxwell1, Christopher Yee-Min Chew2,3,4,5, Ian Porter6,7
1Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
A rare case of scalp hair repigmentation occurred after radiotherapy. Unexpectedly, the patient
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment.
- Hair follicle melanocytes play a crucial role in hair pigmentation.
- Melanocyte stem cell plasticity is key to hair color restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of scalp hair repigmentation following radiotherapy.
- To investigate the influence of radiation on hair follicle melanocytes and stem cells.
- To contribute to the limited literature on post-radiotherapy hair color changes.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 76-year-old male patient treated with radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma.
- Observation of hair regrowth and color changes post-treatment.
- Analysis of the role of melanocytes and stem cell plasticity in hair color restoration.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced radiotherapy-induced alopecia.
- Regrown scalp hair exhibited unexpected orange to brown coloration.
- Hair color resembled the patient's natural youthful hair color.
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy can induce rare instances of hair repigmentation.
- Hair follicle melanocytes and stem cell plasticity are implicated in this phenomenon.
- Radiation may influence the mechanisms of hair color restoration.
More Related Videos
10:05Stimulation of Stem Cell Niches and Tissue Regeneration in Mouse Skin by Switchable Protoporphyrin IX-Dependent Photogeneration of Reactive Oxygen Species In Situ
Published on: May 8, 2020
06:41A New Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Hair Loss in Mice Using Grayscale Analysis
Published on: March 9, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells