Oral minoxidil for treating hair loss in young cancer survivors
A Pilot Study of Oral Minoxidil for the Treatment of Persistent Hair Loss in Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
This study tests if a medication called oral minoxidil can help young cancer survivors who have lost their hair, while also checking how safe it is and how it affects their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05778825 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of oral minoxidil in improving hair loss among children, teens, and young adults who are survivors of childhood cancer. It aims to assess the safety of the medication, monitor side effects, and evaluate participants' adherence to dosing schedules. Additionally, the study will explore the impact of treatment on the quality of life of the participants. The trial includes a placebo group for comparison.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and young adults aged 6-18 who have survived cancer and are experiencing hair loss related to their previous cancer treatments.
Not a fit: Patients who have a history of alopecia unrelated to cancer treatment or those currently undergoing anticancer therapies may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve hair regrowth and quality of life for young cancer survivors experiencing hair loss.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on oral minoxidil for this population, similar approaches have shown promise in treating hair loss in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients must have been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 17. * They must have completed either systemic or radiation therapy (cytotoxic chemotherapy and external beam radiation therapy) for their cancer at least 1 year prior to study entry. * They must be between 6-18 years old at the time of enrollment. * They must have a clinical diagnosis of persistent or late alopecia for \>6 months and that is definitely, probably, or possibly related to prior chemotherapy and/or radiation. Exclusion Criteria: * Had a history of alopecia prior to systemic or radiation therapy for cancer, or has alopecia unrelated to cancer treatment. * Have scalp disorders that preclude the evaluation of alopecia, such as psoriasis * Has a known hypersensitivity to minoxidil * Concurrent use of other therapies for alopecia * Concurrent active anticancer therapies (cytotoxic, targeted, endocrine, immunologic) * History of chronic sclerotic cutaneous GvHD affecting the scalp * Active chronic cutaneous GvHD * History of orthostatic or symptomatic hypotension, syncope related to hypotension; systolic less than or equal than 100 (for adults) and 90 (for children) at screening. * Pregnancy. * Cardiovascular disease that in the opinion of the cardiologist makes the patient unsuitable for therapy * Blood pressure less than the 5th percentile or less than 90/50 mmHg for children 10 years or older
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alina Markova, MD — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Alina Markova, MD
- Email: markovaa@mskcc.org
- Phone: 646-608-2342
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.