Abstract 3436: A topical botanical product improves recovery from chemotherapy alopecia and persistent hair issues in cancer survivors
Authors: Tadafumi Shiiba, Reiko Kondo, Saad Harti, Angelo Mello, Geert Cauwenbergh, Jiawei Liu
Journal: Cancer Research (2015)

Abstract Introduction With an incidence of 65%, chemotherapy induced alopecia (CIA) is considered by sufferers as one of the most distressing side effects of cancer therapies. CIA has also a long-term impact. Most cancer survivors still indeed complain from persistent hair issues (i.e. hair thinning) after hair regrowth. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that the product normalized follicular cell apoptosis process and attenuated scalp micro-inflammation, two key targets for the management of CIA. Further studies were needed to assess the potential efficacy of the product in mitigating the impacts of CIA, through reduction of the baldness period in chemotherapy-treated patients, and improvement of hair pattern in cancer survivors complaining from persistent hair issues. Method Two studies were conducted. 1/ Female volunteers treated with chemotherapy agents known to provoke important hair loss were provided with the product, to be applied on the scalp twice-daily, from inclusion and for at least 16 weeks after the end of chemotherapy treatment. Evaluation was performed through global photographs of the scalp, and compared with available references (n = 10). 2/ Female cancer survivors complaining from persistent hair issues were provided with the product, to be applied on scalp twice-daily, for 6 months. Evaluation of improvement in hair pattern was performed through global photographs of the scalp and self-assessment (n = 21). Results In the first study on women treated with chemotherapy agents known to cause alopecia, application of the product allowed faster recovery of hair than without treatment (based on available references). Results show that the baldness period, usually 20 weeks, was reduced by 5 to 16 weeks in subjects using the product. Contrary to non-treated reference, product users never experienced full baldness (under comparable chemotherapy regimen). In the second study, 33% of cancer survivor volunteers complaining from persistent hair issues had first improvement within 1 month, either observed in global photographs or reported by volunteers. After 2 months, they were 52% and 76% after 3 months. In both studies, acceptance and adherence were high (one drop-out). No side effect was reported. Conclusion These two studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the topical botanical product in addressing successfully major issues: reduction of CIA baldness period, and improvement of hair pattern in cancer survivors complaining from persistent hair issues. Citation Format: Tadafumi Shiiba, Reiko Kondo, Saad Harti, Angelo Mello, Geert Cauwenbergh, Jiawei Liu. A topical botanical product improves recovery from chemotherapy alopecia and persistent hair issues in cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3436. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3436