Hair Regeneration in the Mouse After Application of Anti-Cancer Agent, Particularly in Terms of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Interaction

Abstract

Most anti-cancer agents currently in use are aimed at suppressing the growth of cancer cells and the accretion of tumors. Since the mechanism of cellular growth is the same in both normal and cancer cells, most of these agents can exert toxic effects on normal cells, especially on bone marrow mucous membrane and epithelial cells, which divide rather rapidly during the S phase. The anti-cancer agents may infiltrate the nucleolus and toxically transform the DNA structure. Sebaceous epithelial cells and hair matrix cells are therefore greatly affected by such agents. The phenomenon of hair loss is an often observed side effect of anti-cancer agents.