I have been treated for Stage 4 NSCLC since Sept 2011. First, 4 rounds of taxol/carboplatin, then over 2 years of Alimta maintenance every 3 weeks. Because brain mets were progressing I entered a clinical trial in July 2014 for the oral drug Brigatinib since my cancer is ALK+. It has been keeping the cancer stable with virtually no side effects. But in Sept 2016 my hair suddenly started thinning. It has continued since then. Hair loss has recently been added to the list of possible side effects for this drug so I am assuming that is the cause in my case. Oncologist, research nurse, and dermatologist have no advice except to try Rogaine, (which I haven't tried and am skeptical of) and take biotin supplement (which I am taking but hasn't helped). I lost all my hair on Taxol/carboplatin but it grew right back once I was done with treatment. Since I will continue on Brigatinib as long as I can, I am afraid I will lose all my hair before too long. So looking for any help on what to do to prevent hair loss.
Brigatinib (AP26113) and hair loss - 1290270
sd2011
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Reply # - March 6, 2017, 06:11 AM
Hi sd2011,
Hi sd2011,
Welcome to GRACE. It's great to hear that you're having such a great response from Brigatinib. The two hair loss interventions you've mentioned are pretty common recommendations for this problem. Dr. Mario Lacouture discussed remedies for hair loss in this post. You can find that section of his post about one-third into the page. As you can see, he cites clinical trial evidence for the effective use of minoxidil (Rogaine) in breast cancer patients with hair loss. He also mentions the use of biotin and another supplement, orthosilicic acid (biosil).
A significant problem in your case is that apparently you are continuing treatment, so the drug continues to affect your hair, while these interventions are usually used after chemotherapy has been completed. It has been suggested that wearing a cold cap during chemo infusions, but I don't think that can be applicable to an oral drug.
JimC
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