Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections and Scalp Cutaneous Malignancies: Clinical Implications and Knowledge Gaps

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an effective and increasingly utilized treatment for androgenetic alopecia; however, the delivery of concentrated growth factors raises theoretical concerns regarding cutaneous malignancy risk in chronically ultraviolet (UV)-exposed, hair-thinning scalps. In this article, the current hypotheses linking PRP to scalp skin cancer risk are reviewed, including potential oncogenic mechanisms, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-mediated signaling, and protective effects, such as improved hair-mediated photoprotection and antiproliferative findings from related blood products, although direct PRP-specific data remain lacking. Overall, the available evidence supports PRP safety while underscoring the need for prospective studies, routine scalp surveillance, and patient counseling regarding photoprotection.