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Scalp cooling is a medical treatment designed to protect hair follicles from the hair loss effects of chemotherapy by reducing the amount of chemotherapy drug absorbed by the hair follicles. During scalp cooling, a special cooling cap or cold packs are placed on the scalp before, during and after chemotherapy infusion to lower the scalp temperature. This localized cooling constricts the blood vessels in the skin and hair follicles of the scalp, reducing the amount of chemotherapy that reaches the hair follicles. By reducing the amount of chemotherapy that reaches the hair, scalp cooling aims to prevent or reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss known as alopecia.
How Does it Work?
Scalp cooling works by taking advantage of differences in blood circulation between the scalp and other parts of the body. When the scalp is cooled, the blood vessels in the skin and hair follicles constrict, thereby decreasing blood flow through the scalp. With less circulation of chemotherapy drugs delivered via the bloodstream to the follicles, less drug is deposited there, reducing the chances of follicular damage and hair loss. The cooler temperature also slows down cellular activity and metabolism in the follicles, making the hair follicles less susceptible to the toxic effects of chemotherapy. However, cooling does not completely prevent chemotherapy from reaching the scalp – it only aims to reduce the dose.
Different Scalp Cooling Systems
There are a few different scalp cooling systems available. Some commonly used systems include:
– Paxman Scalp Cooling System: This uses a special scalp cooling cap connected to a refrigeration unit to keep the scalp cool before, during and after chemotherapy infusion. The cap fits snugly around the head to efficiently cool the scalp.
– DigniCap Scalp Cooling System: Another popular system that uses a specialized cooling cap attached to a cooling unit. It maintains scalp temperature between 0-4°C.
– ORTHERMIC Scalp Cooling Machine: This machine integrates a cooling cap, cooling unit and thermal sensors to precisely control scalp temperature throughout treatment.
– ATERA Scalp Cooling Cap: This reusable, battery-operated latex cooling cap is lightweight and fits comfortably on the head. It doesn’t require a separate cooling unit.
How Effective is it?
Several clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of scalp cooling in reducing chemotherapy-induced alopecia. A review study analyzing data from 14 randomized controlled trials found that scalp cooling prevented significant alopecia in 57% of patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, compared to 16% of patients who did not receive scalp cooling. The level of effectiveness varies depending on the type of chemotherapy drug administered. Some chemotherapy drugs like taxanes and anthracyclines are more difficult to prevent hair loss from compared to others like carboplatin. Younger patients and those receiving lower doses of chemotherapy are also more likely to retain hair when scalp cooling is used.
Side Effects and Limitations
While scalp cooling aims to preserve hair during chemotherapy, it’s not guaranteed to work for everyone. Some of the potential limitations and side effects include:
– Discomfort from wearing the tight-fitting cooling cap. Application of numbing creams can help relieve discomfort.
– Scalp pain, headaches or frostbite in rare cases due to prolonged cooling. Most modern cooling systems have safety features to prevent this.
– Not fully preventing hair loss – it only reduces the risk but does not remove it entirely. Some hair loss may still occur.
– Less effective for certain chemotherapy drugs like taxanes, so cooling may only thin hair for some but not prevent it all from falling out.
– Success varies from person to person based on individual factors like age, chemotherapy regimen etc. Younger patients tend to have better success rates.
Proper Patient Selection and Counselling
Scalp cooling is not appropriate or effective for all types of cancer or chemotherapy regimens. Patient selection is key. Doctors carefully assess factors like the chemotherapy drugs and scheduled doses before recommending scalp cooling. They also counsel patients on realistic expectations and the limitations of the treatment. Scalp cooling offers hope but does not guarantee the preservation of hair in every case. With proper selection, communication and use, it provides a safe and effective option for many to mitigate hair loss associated with chemotherapy.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
