Using light therapy to prevent hair loss from chemotherapy
Evaluating the Feasibility and Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Prevention and Management of Chemotherapy-induced Alopecia: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if light therapy can help prevent hair loss in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast and gynecological cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Jessa Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Hasselt, Limburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT05177289 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with gynecological or breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with metastatic disease, pregnancy, or pre-existing hair loss conditions may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While the use of photobiomodulation therapy is promising, the specific application for chemotherapy-induced alopecia has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hasselt, Limburg
- 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
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.