© 2001 by Oxford University Press
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 93, No. 24, 1829,
December 19, 2001
© 2001 Oxford University Press
MEMORANDUM FOR: Science Writers and Editors on the Journal Press List
Sonic Hedgehog Gene May Promote Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy
December 13, 2001 (EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE 4 P.M. EST December 18)
New research shows that a gene transfer technique may speed regrowth of hair that has been lost during chemotherapy.
Hair loss occurs in an estimated 85% of chemotherapy patients. Regrowth of the lost hair can take from 3 to 6 months, and a small percentage of patients never completely recover their hair. Chemotherapy-induced