Abstract 213P
Background
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most traumatizing experiences for oncological patients. Although CIA is reversible, it still requires several months for the hair to regrow, and cases of permanent CIA are reported. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is based on applying (near)-infrared light on target tissue to stimulate cell repair processes. Positive results were demonstrated in clinical trials applying PBM for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The aim of this trial is to evaluate if PBM can accelerate hair regrowth after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
Methods
A RCT with breast cancer patients that underwent an anthracycline and taxane-containing chemotherapy regimen was set up at the Jessa Hospital (Hasselt, Belgium). Patients were randomized to the control group (no intervention) or the PBM group (three PBM sessions each week for 12 weeks, starting the last day of their chemotherapy). Hair regrowth was evaluated based on photographic assessments. Two blinded researchers independently scored the hair regrowth using a Numerical Rating Scale. Data were collected on the day of their last chemotherapy session and one, two, and three months post-chemotherapy.
Results
A total of 26 breast cancer patients were included in the trial between July 2020 and September 2021. The mean change in hair regrowth at one month after chemotherapy was significantly higher in the PBM group (12.5%, n=12) compared to the control group (3.9%, n=14) (P=0.046, Mann-Whitney U-test). However, at two and three months post-chemotherapy, no significant difference in mean change was observed between both groups (Ps>0.131).
Conclusions
Based on these preliminary results, PBM seems to accelerate hair regrowth after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. However, further research in a larger patient population is necessary.
Clinical trial identification
NCT04036994.
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
This research is part of the Limburg Clinical Research Center (LCRC) UHasselt-ZOL-Jessa, supported by the Limburg Sterk Merk Foundation, province of Limburg, Flemish Government, Hasselt University, Jessa Hospital, and Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg. Additionally, this research is funded by Kom op tegen Kanker (Stand up to Cancer), the Flemish cancer society, the Limburgs Kankerfonds, Live a Life, and the Limburgse Kankersamenwerking.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.