What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) treatments, such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), work by releasing growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and hair follicle regeneration. This is important for FFA patients because the condition involves inflammation and scarring that lead to hair loss. By promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation, PRP and similar treatments can potentially restore hair growth and improve scalp health. Other treatments, like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response, addressing the autoimmune component of FFA.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which may cause side effects such as discomfort, inflammation, and erythema at the injection site. Other treatments like topical corticosteroids can lead to skin thinning and irritation, while systemic therapies such as oral glucocorticoids may cause weight gain, hypertension, and increased risk of infections. It is important to discuss these potential side effects with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no specific FDA-approved treatments for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) mentioned in the provided context. However, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves the injection of autologous blood products to promote hair growth and tissue repair, is being studied for its efficacy and safety in treating FFA. PRP therapy is noted for its potential benefits in hair regrowth and symptom reduction in various types of alopecia, including FFA.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to Platelet Rich Plasma for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia patients include low-dose oral minoxidil, which has shown improvement in hair density without significant adverse effects, and topical bimatoprost, which has demonstrated benefits in enhancing eyelash and eyebrow growth in patients with chemotherapy-induced alopecia. However, the safety of bimatoprost during chemotherapy has not been evaluated, and its preventive benefits are not supported by data. Spironolactone is another option, though data are limited, it is considered a nontoxic therapy for persistent alopecia following cancer therapy.

← Back to Search

Platelet Rich Plasma

PRP for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Ronda Farah, MD

Research Sponsored by University of Minnesota

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Willing to abstain from over the counter and prescription hair/scalp products other than those supplied in the study

Scalp biopsy consistent with frontal fibrosing alopecia diagnosis

Must not have

Current immunosuppression

Current chemotherapy or radiation

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline to 3 years

Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial is testing a treatment called platelet rich plasma (PRP) to help people with frontal fibrosing alopecia, a type of hair loss. PRP is made from a person's own blood and injected into the scalp to promote hair growth and reduce symptoms. The study will last several months and includes multiple treatment visits and follow-ups. PRP therapy is a new procedure used to treat various types of hair loss by promoting hair growth.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults with frontal fibrosing alopecia, who can consent and follow the study rules. They must not be pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid certain medications and supplements, use specific shampoo, and agree to contraception if applicable. People with scalp atrophy, severe allergies, bleeding disorders or on certain treatments are excluded.

What is being tested?

The trial tests platelet rich plasma (PRP) prepared using Eclipse Easy Spin centrifuge for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia. PRP will be injected into the affected scalp area to see if it reduces symptoms and promotes hair growth.

What are the potential side effects?

Potential side effects may include discomfort at injection sites, risk of infection from injections, possible allergic reactions to materials used in PRP preparation or triamcinolone allergy/intolerance.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I am willing to only use the hair/scalp products provided by the study.

Select...

My scalp biopsy confirmed I have frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Select...

I am able to understand and agree to the study's procedures and risks.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I am currently on medication that weakens my immune system.

Select...

I am currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.

Select...

I currently have cancer.

Select...

I have taken medication like hydroxychloroquine or prednisone in the last 3 months.

Select...

I have a problem with how my blood clots.

Select...

I have HIV, a connective tissue disorder, PCOS, or untreated thyroid disease.

Select...

My scalp is thinning.

Select...

I have a blood or bleeding disorder.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline to 3 years

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline to 3 years

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline to 3 years for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Changes in the LPPAI score from baseline

Changes in the hair growth from baseline to the completion of the study • Change in hair growth from baseline to study completion via investigator assessment of scalp photography

Secondary study objectives

self-assessment using the Dermatology Quality Life Index

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Eclipse Easy Spin for PRP TreatmentExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Assessing the safety and efficacy of platelet rich plasma for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia. This will be accomplished by the production of platelet rich plasma by the Eclipse Easy Spin centrifuge. Subjects will receive treatment once a month for 6 months. Platelet rich plasma will be administered via injections into the affected areas of the scalp.

0 / 11Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) treatments, such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), work by releasing growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and hair follicle regeneration. This is important for FFA patients because the condition involves inflammation and scarring that lead to hair loss. By promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation, PRP and similar treatments can potentially restore hair growth and improve scalp health. Other treatments, like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response, addressing the autoimmune component of FFA.

Autologous activated platelet-rich plasma in hair growth: A pilot study in male androgenetic alopecia with in vitro bioactivity investigation.