Treatment of chemotherapy-induced hair loss with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (Wikramanayake et al., 2013)

Introduction

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most distressing physical and psychological side effects for cancer patients. It occurs when chemotherapy drugs destroy rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. There is currently no effective treatment that can prevent or accelerate hair growth after CIA. This study aimed to evaluate whether low-energy laser light therapy (LLLT) used in the HairMax LaserComb® device , which is FDA-cleared for the treatment of hereditary hair loss, can accelerate hair regrowth in animal models of CIA.

Method of study

• Experimental animals: 11–13 day-old Long-Evans rats.

• Hair loss induction: Chemotherapy

1. Cyclophosphamide (35 mg/kg)

2. Etoposide (1.5 mg/kg × 3 days)

3. Or the combination of Cyclophosphamide + Doxorubicin

• Grouping:

1. Control group (receiving chemotherapy only)

2. Experimental group (receiving chemotherapy + LLLT irradiation 1 minute daily × 10 days)

3. Sham group (sham laser; laser off during treatment)

• Light properties: wavelength 655nm (±5%), 9 beams

• Evaluation: Observe the external hair growth and examine histologically.

Study results

Hair growth after chemotherapy

• All groups of mice developed hair loss within 7–10 days after receiving chemotherapy.

• The LLLT group experienced 5 days faster hair growth compared to the control and sham groups.

• By day 15 after chemotherapy, all mice in the LLLT group (100%) had regrowth of hair. While other groups remain bald

• Histopathological examination revealed that

• The skin of mice receiving LLLT thickened.

• The hair roots enter the Anagen (new growth) phase more significantly.

Examination of the effect of chemotherapy

• Laser therapy does not reduce the effectiveness of drugs in killing cancer cells.

• The cancer incidence rate in mice receiving LLLT + chemotherapy was no different from that in the chemotherapy alone group. → This shows that LLLT does not protect cancer cells from the drug's effects.

Mechanism of action

• LLLT stimulates the activity of hair follicle stem cells (keratinocyte stem cells).

• Increases energy production (ATP) in mitochondria

• Stimulates new capillary formation and blood circulation.

• This causes the hair roots to enter the anagen phase faster than normal.

Summary of results

• Low-energy laser irradiation can significantly accelerate hair growth after chemotherapy in experimental animals.

• There is no effect on the efficacy of chemotherapy.

• Demonstrates the potential for LLLT devices such as the HairMax LaserComb® to be used as a safe and non-invasive new approach. To help reduce the effects of hair loss from chemotherapy in cancer patients.

References

Wikramanayake, T.C., Villasante, A.C., Mauro, L.M., Nouri, K., Schachner, L.A., Perez, C.I., & Jimenez, J.J. (2013). Low-level laser treatment accelerated hair regrowth in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). Lasers in Medical Science, 28 (3), 701–706. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-012-1139-7