Oral Minoxidil for Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you must stop all current medications, but you cannot participate if you are taking certain drugs that affect blood pressure or are on guanethidine without a 1-week break. If you're on any listed medications, further evaluation is needed to determine eligibility.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug oral minoxidil for chemotherapy-induced alopecia?
There is a case report of a woman experiencing significant hair regrowth after using oral minoxidil for permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia, suggesting potential effectiveness. Additionally, topical minoxidil has shown improvement in hair loss for a breast cancer patient after chemotherapy, indicating that minoxidil may help with hair regrowth in similar contexts.12345
Is oral minoxidil safe for humans?
Minoxidil, commonly used as a topical solution for hair loss, is generally considered safe, but it can cause side effects like faster heart rate and water retention when taken orally. Topical minoxidil has been associated with rare eye-related side effects, but no serious side effects were reported in a study using it for chemotherapy-induced hair loss.23678
How does the drug oral minoxidil differ from other treatments for chemotherapy-induced alopecia?
Oral minoxidil is unique because it is taken by mouth, unlike the more common topical minoxidil applied directly to the scalp. It is being explored for chemotherapy-induced alopecia, especially in cases where hair loss is permanent and does not respond to standard treatments like scalp cooling or topical minoxidil.12349
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing a low dose of oral minoxidil to help people who have lost their hair permanently due to chemotherapy. The goal is to see if this medication can safely and effectively promote hair regrowth and improve patients' quality of life. Oral minoxidil has been proposed as a safe alternative to topical minoxidil for treating hair loss, showing efficacy in various studies.
Research Team
Jennifer N Choi, MD
Principal Investigator
Northwestern University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 with permanent hair loss from chemotherapy, finished at least 6 months ago. They must not be pregnant or nursing, agree to use contraception, and have no history of certain conditions like hypotension or hypersensitivity to the drug's components. Those on other alopecia treatments within the last 3 months or current cancer treatment are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive low dose oral minoxidil for the treatment of permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Oral Minoxidil
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor