For the first time
the FDA has approved a scalp cooling system to reduce chemotherapy hair loss
Depending on the drugs implemented in a patient’s chemotherapy session, hair loss can often be a common side effect. Hair follicles are some of the fastest-growing cells in the body, the affected follicles are weakened by the procedure, damaging the hair and preventing new growth.
For men and women hair loss is reported to be one of the most feared side effects after a cancer diagnosis. In breast cancer patients, nearly 50 percent of all patients undergoing chemotherapy regard their hair loss as the most distressing ordeal of the treatment. Roughly 8 percent of patients in need of chemotherapy decline the treatments in order to preserve their self-identity.
Now a novel technology could help prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy. DigniCap, a scalp cooling cap, has been granted Food and Drug Administration approval to be used in the United States. The intent behind using the scalp-cooling caps is to limit follicle damage.
A dual layered device, the inner cap works by delivering a special fluid to the scalp that cools before, during and after the chemotherapy treatment while the outer cap ensures secure fit on the scalp. The cap works by constricting the blood vessels in the skin of the scalp to prevent the chemotherapy from being delivered to the hair and creating a cool environment to decrease enzyme activity in the area.
Two separate studies conducted on women undergoing breast cancer chemotherapy found that at least 50 percent of patients retained half of their hair compared to those not using cooling caps. The first study, testing one variation of the cap, was performed on 122 women with 66% effectiveness while a different variation was tested in a separate study with 51% effectiveness. In the second study, those who didn't have the device lost their hair.
New to the US, the caps are not always reimbursed or covered by health insurance. This could place the cost at around $1,000 to $2,000 per sitting, however as the technology is popularized, it could fall into the category of hair prostheses.
Both studies can be found in the journal of American Medical Association here and here.
