Topical or Oral Minoxidil for the Treatment of Endocrine Therapy-Induced Alopecia in Patients With Stage I-IV Breast Cancer

Launched by OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER · Jun 8, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether topical (applied to the skin) or oral (taken by mouth) minoxidil can help women with breast cancer who are experiencing hair loss due to endocrine therapy. Endocrine therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer, but it often leads to hair loss, which can be upsetting and may even cause some women to stop their therapy early. Minoxidil is a medication that could potentially help stimulate hair growth and improve hair density for these patients.

To join this trial, women must be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with breast cancer at any stage (I to IV). They should also be undergoing endocrine therapy and have noticed hair loss since starting treatment. However, women who are pregnant, currently receiving chemotherapy, or have certain medical conditions affecting hair loss are not eligible. Participants in the trial can expect to receive either topical or oral minoxidil and will be monitored for any benefits or side effects. This study is currently recruiting participants, aiming to improve the quality of life for women facing this challenging side effect of breast cancer treatment.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Women \>= 18 years of age
• • Established diagnosis of breast cancer stages I-IV
• • On endocrine therapy including tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors with or without concurrent use of ovarian function suppression
• • Self-reporting hair loss since starting endocrine therapy
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnant or nursing women
• • Current chemotherapy use or prior chemotherapy use within the last 2 years
• • History of scarring/cicatricial alopecia or alopecia areata
• • Prior use of oral or topical minoxidil
• • Prior or ongoing use of spironolactone
• • Known sensitivity to minoxidil
• • Untreated hypothyroidism or iron deficiency as determined by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with reflex free T4 and ferritin level \> 40 to be checked at the time of enrolling if not completed in the 12 months prior