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Cancer research

Efficacy of Scalp Lotion in Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia in Gastric and Colorectal Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in the Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice has highlighted the potential benefits of a scalp lotion containing alpha lipoic acid derivatives (ALADL) in preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The study, conducted at Oita University in Japan, involved 21 patients with gastric and colorectal cancer who received chemotherapy between May 2021 and December 2023. The results showed that patients who used ALADL had significantly larger hair diameters compared to those who did not use the lotion, particularly after three courses of chemotherapy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study demonstrated the efficacy of ALADL in reducing hair loss and improving hair diameter in patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
  • The results showed significant differences in hair diameter between the ALADL and non-ALADL groups, with the ALADL group showing significantly larger hair diameters (p = 0.022, 0.029, 0.020).
  • The study involved a prospective cohort design, including 21 patients with gastric and colorectal cancer, and divided them into two groups: those who used ALADL and those who did not.
  • The study found no significant differences in age, sex, cancer type, chemotherapy regimen, clinical stage of TNM classification, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, comorbidity, or medication between the two groups.
  • The researchers concluded that a randomized controlled trial is warranted to verify the effects of ALADL.
  • The study was funded by Aderans Company Limited and had been peer-reviewed.

Statistics:

  • 21 patients with gastric and colorectal cancer participated in the study.
  • The patients received chemotherapy between May 2021 and December 2023.
  • The results showed significant differences in hair diameter between the ALADL and non-ALADL groups (p = 0.022, 0.029, 0.020).
  • The ALADL group showed significantly larger hair diameters (whole, pigmented, white) after three courses of chemotherapy.
  • The study involved a prospective cohort design.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Oita University Details Findings in Gastric Cancer (Effects of Scalp Lotion Containing Alpha Lipoic Acid Derivatives for Chemotherapy-induced Alopecia In Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer: a Prospective Cohort Study). Health & Medicine Week. May 16, 2025; p 4249.
  • Effects of Scalp Lotion Containing Alpha Lipoic Acid Derivatives for Chemotherapy-induced Alopecia In Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer: a Prospective Cohort Study. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, 2025.

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