Nearly 2% of people in the United States, many of them children, suffer from alopecia areata, a skin disorder that causes hair to fall out in patches. The cause of the disease is not known, and there is presently no cure. However, researchers believe that several genetic factors may play a major role in autoimmune disease.

To gather the large amount of information needed to perform a genetic linkage analysis, M. D. Anderson is leading a study that will create a national registry of alopecia areata patients and their family members. The registry, sponsored by the National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases (NIAMS), is designed to collect research samples that will help determine the genetic components of alopecia areata. It is a tremendous opportunity to create a well-organized resource that will help researchers develop new treatments, diagnostic tools and prevention measures. Patients identified through the study will be first in line for clinical trials of any new therapies.

M. D. Anderson is one of five U.S. sites registering alopecia areata patients. Principal investigator for the study is Madeleine Duvic, M.D., chief of dermatology at M. D. Anderson's Melanoma & Skin Center, and an internationally recognized expert on skin disorders. Our goal is to enroll 3,100 people over the 10-year life of the study. Registration of study participants is already under way. This site has information about alopecia areata, and everything you need to become part of the study.

You can also read the NIAMS press release for more information about the alopecia registry.