A Pilot Trial of Topical vs Oral Minoxidil for Treatment of Endocrine Therapy-Induced Alopecia in Breast Cancer Patients
This early phase I trial studies the possible benefits and/or side effects of topical or oral minoxidil in treating endocrine therapy-induced hair loss (alopecia) in patients with stage I-IV breast cancer. Endocrine therapy-induced alopecia (EIA) is a distressing side effect that leads to reduced quality of life and early cessation of therapy in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Patients on endocrine therapy commonly report hair loss or thinning. Minoxidil is a drug that may promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Oral minoxidil may increase hair density in women with EIA, and work the same as topical minoxidil in treating EIA in patients with breast cancer.
• Women \>= 18 years of age
• Established diagnosis of breast cancer stages I-IV
• On endocrine therapy including tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors with or without concurrent use of ovarian function suppression
• Self-reporting hair loss since starting endocrine therapy