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Chemotherapy-induced hair loss in myeloma?
A diagnosis of multiple myeloma is stressful. Chemotherapy brings side effects. Chemotherapy-induced hair loss in myeloma can be one of the most stressful side effects for many.
Fortunately, there are available treatments for this form of alopecia.
What are the therapies to treat chemotherapy-induced hair loss?
1. Scalp Cooling (Cold Cap Therapy)
- How it works: Scalp cooling involves wearing a cap filled with cold gel or a cooling machine to constrict blood vessels in the scalp during chemotherapy. This reduces the amount of the drug that reaches the hair follicles.
- Effectiveness: Studies suggest that scalp cooling can reduce the severity of hair loss in certain types of chemotherapy, though it’s not always effective.
- Side Effects: Discomfort from the cold, headaches, and scalp pain can occur.
2. Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- How it works: Minoxidil is a topical medication typically used to treat pattern hair loss. It’s applied to the scalp to stimulate hair regrowth.
- Effectiveness: Some studies show that applying minoxidil before, during, and after chemotherapy can shorten the period of baldness and accelerate hair regrowth.
- Side Effects: Scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth in other areas.
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- How it works: PRP involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets into the scalp. Platelets contain growth factors that can stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth.
- Effectiveness: PRP has shown promising results for various types of hair loss, including chemotherapy-induced alopecia, though more studies are needed.
- Side Effects: Minimal, but there can be some swelling, discomfort, or infection risk.
4. Hair Growth Supplements
- How it works: Nutritional supplements that support hair health, such as biotin, zinc, and iron, may be beneficial in promoting regrowth after chemotherapy.
- Effectiveness: Supplements can support overall hair health but are not a guaranteed solution for CIA.
- Side Effects: Generally minimal, but always check with a healthcare provider before starting supplements.
5. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
- How it works: LLLT involves the use of red light to stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth.
- Effectiveness: There is some evidence that LLLT can help improve hair density and stimulate regrowth in some patients.
- Side Effects: Minimal, but results may vary.
6. Wigs, Hairpieces, and Head Covers
- How it helps: For many, wigs, scarves, and hats are effective ways to cope with hair loss. Many insurance plans and cancer support organizations provide support for these items.
- Effectiveness: While they don’t prevent hair loss, they offer psychological relief and a way to maintain appearance during treatment.
7. Psychological Support and Counseling
- How it helps: Hair loss can be emotionally distressing, and psychological support or counseling may be necessary to help cope with the impact on self-esteem and body image.
8. Future and Experimental Treatments
- Stem Cell Therapy: Research is ongoing to determine if stem cells can stimulate hair regrowth in chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
- JAK Inhibitors: Some studies are exploring the use of JAK inhibitors (drugs that block Janus kinase enzymes) for hair regrowth.
Preventive Measures and Early Interventions:
- Gentle Hair Care: Avoid harsh shampoos, chemical treatments, and heat styling.
- Short Haircuts: Some patients find that cutting their hair short before starting chemotherapy helps them adjust to the hair loss.
When I began treatment, I decided to go with the Michael Jordan look. Meaning, I thought Michael Jordan’s shaved head looked pretty cool so it was fine with me for my hair to fall out.
The challenge is that there is more to chemotherapy-induced hair loss than simply walking around with a shaved head including:
- All of your hair fall out- everywhere- I didn’t even have eyebrows…
- I woke every morning surrounded by hair that had fallen out while I slept…
- Sure, my hair grew back eventually but it wasn’t as thick…
My point is that think through how you will feel if/when chemotherapy-induced hair loss happens to you. Take steps to minimize this side effect if need be.
Have you been diagnosed with multiple myeloma? Email me to learn more about both conventional and non-conventional treatments for MM- David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com
thank you,
David Emerson
- MM Survivor
- MM Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Largest Study on Scalp Cooling Published, Offering New Insights into Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss
“Paxman has announced the publication of the largest real-world study on scalp cooling to date. The study, known as the Dutch Scalp Cooling Registry, spans 13 years and includes data from 7,424 patients across 68 hospitals in the Netherlands.
The findings, published in The Oncologist, provide crucial insights into mitigating chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) and solidifying the understanding of factors that contribute to the success of scalp cooling treatments.
The registry evaluates 24 chemotherapy regimens and considers various patient factors such as lifestyle, pre-treatment hair characteristics, and patient satisfaction. With 73% of respondents being breast cancer patients, the study offers valuable information on managing one of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy.
“This is the first time that the patient experience of scalp cooling has been documented on this scale and advocates the importance of the patient perspective for chemotherapy-induced side effect management,” said Toni Brook, Co-author and Postgraduate Research Scientist at The University of Huddersfield…
One of the practical applications of the registry’s findings is Paxman’s Scalp Cooling Outcomes Calculator, an online tool that helps clinicians and patients estimate the likelihood of retaining at least half of their hair during chemotherapy. This tool is based on the experiences of the 7,424 patients involved in the study and aims to set realistic expectations for hair retention when using scalp cooling treatments.
The research highlights how scalp cooling offers cancer patients a non-invasive way to manage chemotherapy-induced alopecia, a side effect that can significantly affect their self-image.
By reducing scalp temperature during chemotherapy, the Paxman Scalp Cooling System works to minimize the damage to hair follicles, helping patients retain their hair and, as a result, their sense of normalcy during treatment.
Paxman’s technology is used in 65 countries by over 100,000 patients. Their cold cap technology focuses on reducing the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees before, during, and after chemotherapy, which in turn lowers the uptake of chemotherapy drugs in the hair follicles. This helps reduce the rate of hair loss and speeds up regrowth after treatment.