Freites-Martinez A, et al. - Researchers sought to characterize endocrine therapy-induced alopecia (EIA) in patients with breast cancer. They noted an association of endocrine therapies with a pattern alopecia similar to androgenetic-type, consistent with the mechanism of action of causal agents. Patients reported a significant negative effect on quality of life (QoL), despite mostly mild alopecia severity.

Methods

• Experts conducted a retrospective cohort study of 112 patients with breast cancer, diagnosed with EIA from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2016, the patients were examined at the dermatology service in a large tertiary care hospital and comprehensive cancer center.
• They evaluated the clinical features, alopecia-related quality of life (QoL), and response to minoxidil of EIA in patients with breast cancer.
• In order to assess the impact of the alopecia on patients QoL, data from the Hairdex Questionnaire was used.
• Lower QoL (0-100 score) was indicated by higher score.
• At 3 or 6 months, efficacy of minoxidil was measured by a single-blinded investigator through standardized clinical photographs of the scalp.

Results

• As per data, a total of 112 female patients with breast cancer were included (median [range] age, 60 [34-90] years).
• Authors noted that a total of 104 patients (93%) had standardized clinical photographs; out of these, 59 patients (53%) had trichoscopy images available at baseline, and 46 patients (41%) were evaluated for response to minoxidil.
• They attributed alopecia to aromatase inhibitors in 75 patients (67%) and tamoxifen in 37 (33%).
• Findings suggested that severity was grade 1 in 96 of 104 patients (92%), and the pattern was similar to androgenetic alopecia.
• The presence of vellus hairs and intermediate- and thick-diameter terminal hair shafts was predominant trichoscopic feature at baseline.
• Results demonstrated that a negative impact on QoL was reported, with a higher effect in the emotion domain according to the Hairdex score (mean [SD], 41.8 [21.3]; P < .001).
• Moderate or significant improvement in alopecia was observed in 37 of 46 patients (80%) after treatment with topical minoxidil.