Minoxidil (Mx) as a prophylaxis of doxorubicin – induced alopecia

Background Minoxidil (Mx) is known to induce hair growth in men with male-pattern baldness. Based on this potential, the effectiveness of Mx 2% topical solution was evaluated in cancer patients (pts) to prevent doxorubicin-induced alopecia. Patients and methods 48 female pts with different types of solid tumors treated with doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in a dose range of 50–60 mg/m2/cycle were randomly assigned to receive Mx 2% topical solution or placebo. Results 88% and 92% of pts in both arms showed severe alopecia (p − ns). No adverse effects were observed. Conclusions In this study Mx 2% topical solution was non-toxic but was not effective in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia.