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Hair thinning/loss on Pazopanib

TizzyG
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I was started in Pazopanib 6 weeks ago, initially on a 800mg dose.  This was reduced after a month to 600mg due to side effects.  Most SEs I still have, one has got slightly better.

However, it feels like every day another side effect appears.  My hair is now growing thorough white (I am 57 and have hardly had any grey hairs to date).  It has also thinned significantly and is coming out.  My scalp is itchy and the hair doesn't really feel like mine - all thin and horrible. 

Can you advise as to the best shampoo to use please.  Also, would a hair growth serum work?

This is making me very depressed.  I am typing this in tears.  I had an ETV shunt put into my head before radiotherapy and the hair across the scar had just begun to grow back.  It has a reservoir in it, so I have a lump on my head.  I am terrified that this is now going so show through what is left of my hair. 

I have had 6 months of hell and have lost all confidence.  I feel like my life is slowly being taken away from me, and this is yet another indignity

Any advice you can give would be much appreciated. 

  • Hi TiggyG

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I can see you have joined our online forums. I hope you’re finding it helpful to share your experiences with others.

    I am sorry to hear you’re struggling with the side-effects of Pazopanib. I can understand your concerns and how upsetting the past six months have been for you, the distress it’s caused and the impact it’s having on your confidence.

    Unfortunately, hair loss or thinning hair is one of the common side-effect of some cancer treatments including Radiotherapy. Cancer treatment destroys cancer cells by interfering with their ability to divide and grow. It can affect healthy cells throughout the body such as cells in the hair follicles. The amount of hair loss you have will depend on the drug and the dose. It may grow back once you’ve completed your treatment however for some people it can be permanent.

    It’s good to hear your team have reduced the initial dose of the Pazopanib which has helped reduce some of the side effects, but the hair loss persists. You may find these tips for looking after your scalp helpful to look at. Poor diet and stress can also contribute to hair thinning and a dry scalp. Changes to your diet and lifestyle may help to improve the condition of your hair.

    Cancer Hair Care also offer good advice and can give you further information on hair growth serums and shampoos to use. They also offer free resources. It might be helpful to give them a call. Look good feel better offer practical wellbeing workshops you may find useful. They often help people to rebuild their confidence again.

    If you have any new, increasing, or worsening symptoms it is always important to report these to your hospital team or your cancer nurse specialist as soon as possible. They are in an ideal position to reassess you and your Pazopanib dosage.

    Having a cancer diagnosis and experiencing the side effects of treatment can be extremely tough. You may benefit from some of the emotional support we offer, including our free counselling for anyone with a cancer diagnosis.

    You may find helpful to speak to one of our nurses on the support line. Sometimes giving us a call can help. It’s a free phone number on 0808 808 0000 and we are here 7 days a week, 8am-8pm or email us. 

    I hope you found this information helpful

    Ref: PW/JD

    Regards

    Paula-Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 
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