Clinical observation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) combined with minoxidil in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia

Abstract Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has been one of the most common progressive hair loss in the world, which affects 80% of white males. To date, only minoxidil and finasteride have been approved by FDA for the treatment of AGA. However, limited therapeutic effect and the toxic adverse events of these drugs limit their applications. Therefore, it is still an urgent clinical problem to find effective therapeutic drugs and medication regimen. Objective The goal was to explore the efficacy and side effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) combined with minoxidil in the treatment of male patients with early stage of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methods Using a randomized control method, 80 male patients with androgenetic alopecia in Hamilton grade II–IV were randomly divided into two groups, with 40 patients in each group. The Group A: 1 ml minoxidil for external use twice a day; Group B: 3500 IU basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and 1 ml minoxidil for external use twice a day. The selected patients received global photograph evaluation before treatment, 3 months after treatment, and 6 months after treatment, and the curative effect was judged according to the changes in the area and degree of hair loss on the top of the head and anterior parietal area of the patients shown in the photographs before and after treatment. At the same time, each patient had a satisfaction questionnaire survey before treatment, 3 months after treatment, and 6 months after treatment. During the research period, the adverse reactions of the patients were recorded. Results After 3 months and 6 months of treatment, the effective rate of the two groups was statistically significant ( p < 0.05), and the patients’ hair conditions in the Group B improved significantly compared with those in the Group A. After 6 months of treatment, the difference in treatment satisfaction between the two groups was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). The patients in the Group B were more satisfied than those in Group A. During the patient's medication, no serious adverse reactions occurred in the two groups, and the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups was not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Compared with 5% minoxidil alone, the combination of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) +5% minoxidil in the treatment of male patients with early stage of androgenetic alopecia improved treatment efficiency and patient satisfaction.