Mechanism-Based Strategies for Prevention of Taxane-Induced Hair Follicle Damage in Cancer Chemotherapy

The taxane family of compounds, including paclitaxel, docetaxel (Taxotere), and cabazitaxel (Jevtana), are common drugs used in chemotherapy for the frontline treatment of most major types of cancer. Alopecia, the dramatic loss of hair, is a common side effect that became a symbol of the suffering of many cancer patients. Concerted efforts have been made to understand the mechanism of taxane toxicity to hair follicles and, thus, prevention methods. Taxanes act by stabilizing cellular microtubule