Using light therapy to prevent hair loss from chemotherapy
Official title: Evaluating the Feasibility and Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Chemotherapy-induced Alopecia: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Jessa Hospital · NCT05177289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if light therapy can help prevent hair loss in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast and gynecological cancers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Jessa Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Hasselt, Limburg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 28, 2022 |
| Main results expected | January 2025 |
| Study ends | January 2030 |
| Registry record updated | September 29, 2023 |
| Trial ID | NCT05177289 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with gynecological or breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with metastatic disease, pregnancy, or pre-existing hair loss conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) in preventing and managing chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) in patients with gynecological and breast cancer. The research aims to determine if PBM can reduce the severity of hair loss associated with chemotherapy, thereby improving patients' quality of life. The therapy involves using a device that emits visible and near-infrared light to stimulate hair growth by enhancing blood flow to the scalp and promoting hair follicle metabolism. This approach is being compared to traditional scalp cooling methods, which have variable success rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing the emotional and psychological impact of hair loss.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of photobiomodulation therapy is promising, the specific application for chemotherapy-induced alopecia has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with gynecological cancer (endometrium, cervix, ovarian or vulva) or breast cancer * Receiving chemotherapy ((Carbo)-Taxol) * Age ≥ 18 years * Able to comply to the study protocol * Able to sign written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Metastatic disease * Pregnancy * Active infection of the scalp * Previous diagnosis of a hair loss condition * Interruption of chemotherapy for more than two consecutive cycles * Medication to stimulate hair growth (e.g., Minoxidil) * Severe psychological disorder or dementia. * Inability to speak and understand Dutch * Substance abuse patients or patients with medical, psychological or social conditions that may interfere with the patient's participation in the study or evaluation of the study results as judged by the investigator * Any condition that is unstable or could affect the safety of the patient and their compliance in the study as judged by the investigator
Where it's running
-
Jessa Hospital
Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeroen Mebis, Prof. Dr. — Jessa Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jeroen Mebis, Prof. Dr.
- Email: jeroen.mebis@jessazh.be
- Phone: +32 11 33 72 21
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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DA-020 topically for chemotherapy-induced hair loss
This study tests DA-020 (a topical alpha-1 agonist) to see if it can reduce hair loss in people with breast cancer receiving certain chemotherapies.
-
Testing the Lily Device for reducing hair loss during chemotherapy
This study is testing the Lily Device to see if it can help women with breast cancer keep their hair during chemotherapy.
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Portable scalp cooling system to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy
This study is testing if a portable cooling device can help women with early-stage breast cancer keep their hair while undergoing chemotherapy.
-
Using scalp cooling to prevent hair loss in metastatic breast cancer patients
This study is testing if using a scalp cooling system during chemotherapy can help prevent hair loss in people with metastatic breast cancer.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.