Ruehl, why does chemotherapy cause hair loss?
Chemotherapeutic agents are designed to zero in on rapidly dividing cells, the key characteristic of cancer cells. But hair cells also fall into this category, and thus are also targeted. But there is hope looming on the horizon, as a new enzyme-inhibiting drug (being developed by Glaxo Wellcome Research & Development) has shown promise in temporarily stopping hair cells from dividing so they will be spared by anti-cancer drugs. Nausea and vomiting are similarly induced by chemotherapy, as the drugs destroy rapidly dividing cells in the stomach and intestinal wall. Drugs to inhibit their growth may alleviate these devastating side effects in the future!
