permanent hair loss after brain cancer

My son was diagnosed with a Pineoblastoma when he was 3 years old, he had extensive radiation to the cranium and is left with very thin hair and bald spots.  He is now 15 years old and is very self-conscious about his thin hair.  We have tried several topical treatments and nothing has helped.  Does anyone have any suggestions for me?  I know that there have to be other people dealing with the same issue.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  Topical medication like minoxidil to stimulate hair regrowth will only work if there are enough hair follicles remaining after the radiation.  The problem is if a lot of the hair follicles have been burned out by the radiotherapy.  If this is the case, then the only recourse of your son is to have surgical hair implants.