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Pulsed
electrostatic fields (ETG) -- a non-invasive technique for
stimulating hair follicles on the scalp -- can reduce hair
loss for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer,
according to researchers in New Zealand.
As hair
loss from chemotherapy advances, the hair becomes progressively
thinner and shorter until it reaches a dormant state and disappears
completely. While the process is not fully understood, researchers
have found that ETG alters this dormant state by stimulating
the follicles and inhibiting further hair loss. In many cases,
the stimulation goes further to promote actual regrowth.
Thirteen
women who were taking cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil
(CMF) chemotherapy for breast cancer were treated with pulsed
electrostatic fields (electrotrichogenesis) for 12 minutes,
twice a week. The quantity of hair loss was measured by photographic
assessments and manual hair counts.
Twelve
of the 13 patients had good hair retention throughout the
chemotherapy period and afterwards, the researchers reported
in Psycho-Oncology. There were no reported side effects of
the ETG treatment.
"This
study shows encouraging results in an area where no other
appropriate treatment is available," concluded the researchers.
Reducing hair loss caused by chemotherapy has the potential
to increase treatment compliance, enhance patient self-esteem
and improve their overall quality of life, they added.
Source:
Breast Cancer
Week of June 30, 2002
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