A new study brings promising news for breast cancer patients worried about losing their hair during chemotherapy. Researchers have found that low-dose minoxidil, commonly known as the active ingredient in Rogaine, can safely and effectively promote hair regrowth during and after breast cancer treatment without serious side effects.

Addressing a Major Concern

Hair loss, a common side effect of chemotherapy, often exacerbates the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis. For some patients, the fear of losing their hair can even lead to delays or refusal of necessary treatment. This new research, however, provides reassurance that a widely used hair-loss drug can help mitigate this distress.

“Hair loss during chemotherapy can significantly impact a patient’s sense of self and confidence during an already challenging time,” said co-lead researcher Devyn Zaminski, a medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “Our results should offer reassurance to breast cancer patients that there is indeed a safe way to combat their hair loss.”

The Study

Researchers analyzed electronic medical records at NYU Langone Health, reviewing data from 2012 to 2023. They identified 51 breast cancer patients who had taken low-dose minoxidil for more than a month and tracked their outcomes.

Of these women, 25 underwent chemotherapy alongside surgery or radiation, while 26 were treated with surgery or radiation alone. Within three to six months of starting low-dose minoxidil therapy, all patients experienced either noticeable hair regrowth or stabilization of hair loss.

Safety and Effectiveness Confirmed

Concerns had previously been raised about minoxidil’s effects on blood vessels, as the drug dilates them and is also used to treat high blood pressure. Experts worried it might increase the risk of heart-related side effects, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, especially during chemotherapy.

However, the study found no such complications, confirming the drug’s safety for breast cancer patients.

“Based on these findings, minoxidil has been shown to be safe for patients while also being effective,” said Dr. Kristen Lo Sicco, co-senior researcher and associate professor of dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “The effectiveness of minoxidil may help patients restore their sense of self and some control in a situation where it has been visibly taken away.”

Looking Ahead

While the results are promising, researchers emphasized the need for further studies to confirm the findings and explore the drug’s safety and efficacy in patients with other types of cancer or undergoing different chemotherapy regimens.

The study, funded by NYU Langone Health, was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. If validated through additional research, this discovery could provide breast cancer patients with a crucial tool to maintain their confidence and quality of life during treatment.