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Unexpected Hair Loss Persists for Breast Cancer Survivor
In 2019, Lindsey Swift received a breast cancer diagnosis and anticipated potential hair loss as a consequence of treatment. However, the 51-year-old aesthetic nurse from Leeds did not foresee that four years later, she would still be seeking hair regrowth after cancer therapy.
Challenges with Hair Regrowth After Cancer Treatment
Swift recounted, “I had been informed that my hair might regrow with a different texture or color, perhaps grey or curly.” In preparation for anticipated chemotherapy-induced hair loss, she proactively shaved her long blonde hair for charity before commencing her cancer treatment. This included surgery, six chemotherapy cycles, and 15 radiotherapy sessions.
Following the completion of her cancer treatment, Swift noticed that her hair began to regrow after two months. However, she explained, “It did not return to my original hairline. The hair was significantly thinner around the crown. My hairline resembled that of a man with advanced recession. It was truly distressing.”
This unexpected outcome severely impacted Swift’s self-esteem. “I lost a significant amount of confidence and reduced my social activities. I felt less feminine. I also became self-conscious about wetting my hair in public, as the thinning at the front became even more pronounced,” she shared.
Seeking Solutions for Post-Chemotherapy Hair Loss
Initially, Swift hoped her hair would naturally regrow and relied on head scarves and wigs to conceal the hair thinning. As months passed without improvement, she explored various remedies to stimulate hair regrowth.
Her efforts included daily application of minoxidil, a recognized hair-loss treatment designed to enhance blood circulation to hair follicles. She also experimented with alternative treatments, such as massaging rosemary oil into her scalp, a method she encountered on social media platforms.
Exploring Unconventional Hair Regrowth Methods
“The rosemary oil was supposed to boost blood flow, but it proved ineffective and simply made my hair greasy,” Swift recalled.
Desperate for a solution, she invested approximately £2,000 in a high-quality wig. “While the wig was excellent, I constantly worried about whether it looked natural and was positioned correctly,” she admitted.
By spring 2020, significant hair regrowth at the front of her scalp remained elusive, leaving her with only a small patch of hair.
Considering Hair Transplant and Discovering Exosome Therapy
During her wedding to her partner Neil in September 2021, Swift strategically used a flower crown and hairpieces to conceal the bald patches. “I made sure no photographs captured the top of my head,” she mentioned.
At this juncture, Swift considered a hair transplant as a potential solution. “I had a consultation, and while the £5,400 cost for a hair transplant was considerable, it appeared to be my only viable option,” she stated.
Subsequently, a colleague informed Swift about an innovative treatment involving injections of exosomes. These microscopic, naturally occurring particles are rich in growth factors and other bioactive compounds, believed to revitalize dormant hair follicles and encourage hair regrowth.
Swift firmly believes that this exosome treatment has been effective and instrumental in restoring her self-image.
The Science Behind Exosome Therapy for Hair Loss
Exosomes, released by nearly all cells in the human body, transport genetic material – including proteins, fats, enzymes, and growth factors – essential for tissue repair and regeneration.
The premise of exosome therapy lies in their ability to signal neighboring cells to reactivate and proliferate. While scientists have studied exosome therapy for approximately two decades for applications like wound healing, its potential as a hair loss treatment has only recently emerged.
Dr. David Ansell, a researcher at the Centre for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford, described exosomes as “tiny vesicles carrying biological messages that facilitate intercellular communication.”
He further elaborated, “Researchers are particularly interested in exosomes derived from stem cells, as these are most likely to provide the necessary signals for cell growth. Many scientists hypothesize that stem cell-derived exosomes could potentially stimulate tissue and organ repair; however, this technology is still in early research phases and likely years away from becoming a standard therapy for patients.”
Nonetheless, preliminary studies, including a 2023 study conducted in Wuhan, China, indicate potential benefits in wound healing.
Dr. Ansell, whose research includes hair disease and wound healing, added, “The notion of using exosomes for hair regrowth is a more recent concept that has gained traction within the last five years.”
Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss and Exosome Treatment
Hair loss arises when the hair growth cycle is interrupted, stemming from various factors such as stress, aging, inadequate nutrition, or, as in Swift’s situation, chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy treatments target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles, which leads to hair shedding.
Dr. Ansell explained, “Numerous factors can contribute to hair loss, but frequently, it is linked to a reduced number of active hair follicles.”
Expert Opinions on Exosome Therapy Efficacy
While some evidence suggests exosomes may improve hair loss, experts emphasize that conclusive evidence of its effectiveness is still emerging.
A small-scale human trial, published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in November 2024, evaluated exosome treatment on 30 men with male pattern baldness. Researchers at Yeditepe University in Turkey administered exosomes derived from human stem cells (foreskin-derived) via scalp injections.
The study indicated the treatment’s safety and reported increased hair density in patients after 12 weeks.
Neil Harvey, chairman of the Institute of Trichologists, noted, “Animal studies at a cellular level do suggest that exosomes may possess the capacity to promote hair growth.”
However, he cautioned, “While there is excitement and significant claims are being made, for many in the field, exosome therapy is still in its early stages, and we lack sufficient definitive proof.” This sentiment aligns with a review of existing research by researchers at the Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute in Urmia, Iran, which concluded that exosomes show promise as a treatment platform, but their diverse roles require further investigation.
Exosome Therapy Availability and Considerations
Despite the ongoing research, the aesthetics industry has already embraced exosome therapy. Numerous clinics in the UK currently offer exosome treatments for hair loss.
The specific exosome treatment Swift received, E50-H Exosomes for Hair, has been available in the UK since 2023. The exosomes used in her treatment were derived from salmon testes. While using human-sourced exosomes might seem more direct, it raises concerns about disease transmission and regulatory hurdles. However, other private clinics provide treatments using exosomes from various sources, including plants.
Swift learned about exosome therapy in March 2023. “I decided to try it as I felt I had nothing to lose,” she said.
“It was costly, but less expensive than a hair transplant.” Each treatment session, taking about an hour, is typically followed by three more sessions spaced four weeks apart, at £100 per session, resulting in a total cost of £400.
The exosome treatment procedure involves microneedling using a pen, roller, or stamp device with fine needles to create microchannels in the scalp without anesthesia. Subsequently, the exosome serum is delivered into these channels using a specialized device.
Following the initial four treatments, maintenance sessions every four months are recommended.
Expert Caution and Lindsey’s Positive Outcome
Professor Richard Simcock, a clinical oncologist and chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, acknowledged exosome therapy’s “interesting and plausible” nature but advised caution, stating that it has not been specifically evaluated in individuals experiencing persistent hair loss after cancer treatment, a condition that remains poorly understood. “The therapy should be regarded as experimental,” he emphasized.
Dr. Ansell added, “We also lack comprehensive data on potential long-term side effects, which is crucial as excessive stimulation of cell growth could potentially increase cancer risk.”
Despite these cautions, Lindsey Swift expresses immense satisfaction with her hair regrowth. “My hair has regrown to its previous thickness, particularly at the front,” she stated. Her annual mammogram check-ups have consistently shown no cause for concern.
“Regaining my hair allowed me to feel like my old self again,” Swift concluded.