This process constricts blood vessels, limiting the amount of chemotherapy drugs reaching the hair follicles, thus reducing hair loss.
Published Jul 27, 2024 | 9:28 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 27, 2024 | 9:29 AM
Representative picture of a woman undergoing Scalp Cooling Therapy using PAXMAN.
As cancer treatments evolve, so do the methods to manage their side effects. One such innovation making significant strides in India is scalp cooling therapy, designed to mitigate hair loss during chemotherapy.
HCG Cancer Centre in Jaipur in Rajasthan recently began offering this treatment to patients.
Inaugurating this on Thursday, 24 July, Dr Naresh Somani, Director of Oncology at HCG Jaipur told South First, “The new scalp cooling technology is cost-effective and crucial for maintaining patients’ physical and emotional well-being. It is a simple and non-invasive method, and it may be recommended for different types of chemotherapy.”
HCG Cancer Centre is the first in Rajasthan to offer this treatment.
Appreciating the therapy, Dr Bharat Gadhavi, regional director of HCG Group of Hospitals, Gujarat and Rajasthan said, “This innovative technology, a first in Rajasthan, represents a significant advancement for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, offering them the opportunity to retain their hair and preserve a sense of normalcy during treatment.”
Scalp cooling therapy, also known as scalp hypothermia, involves wearing a cooling cap that reduces the temperature of the scalp before, during, and after chemotherapy.
This process constricts blood vessels, limiting the amount of chemotherapy drugs reaching the hair follicles, thus reducing hair loss.
The cooling cap maintains the scalp temperature between 18-22 degrees Celsius, which is optimal for minimizing hair follicle damage.
Dr Somani explained that the therapy is done by placing a cooling machine on the patient’s head during chemotherapy to lower scalp temperature, thereby mitigating the impact of chemotherapy on hair follicles.
“A specialised cooling cap ensures that the exact temperature is maintained throughout the chemotherapy infusion process. Its biggest benefits include reduced hair loss, reduced emotional distress, and a confident and positive outlook towards life,” he explained.
Leading oncology centers in South India, such as Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore, HCG Oncology, and Aster hospitals in Bengaluru have integrated scalp cooling systems to support their patients.
The Paxman Scalp Cooling System, a globally recognized technology, is now available in these hospitals, providing patients with an effective solution to combat chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
Speaking to South First, Dr Nitin Yashas, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Manipal Hosptials, where the technology is being used, said, “Scalp cooling is a technology by which patients receiving chemotherapy may reduce the amount of hairfall. Cooling the scalp helps constrict the blood vessels and reduces the entry of chemotherapy into the hair follicles.”
Stating that literature has shown that this therapy has been beneficial in breast cancer patients, he said, “We also need to keep in mind that a majority of the studies have focused the efficacy and safety of scalp cooling in breast cancer patients. Also the efficacy and hair retention depends on the type of chemotherapy being used.”
The therapy is particularly effective with taxane-based chemotherapy regimens, showing a high rate of hair retention.
While anthracycline regimens exhibit lower efficacy, scalp cooling still offers benefits. Studies indicate that patients using scalp cooling devices have a higher likelihood of retaining more than 50 percent of their hair after multiple chemotherapy cycles compared to those who do not use the cooling caps.
Patients like Radhika Krishnan from Bengaluru have found solace in this therapy. “Losing my hair was one of my biggest fears when I started chemotherapy after the breast cancer diagnosis. The cooling cap gave me a sense of normalcy and helped me maintain my self-esteem,” she said.
While scalp cooling therapy is a promising option, it is not suitable for everyone. It is recommended primarily for patients with solid tumors such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
Patients must also be in good overall health and not have any scalp conditions. Additionally, the therapy involves enduring cold temperatures, which can be uncomfortable for some.
The cold cap is applied before, during, and after chemotherapy infusion. It’s essential to maintain consistent cooling throughout the treatment, said Dr Rajeev Vijayakumar, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Hemato-Oncology & BMT Physician at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri in Bengaluru.
On hair follicle protection, he said by keeping the scalp cold, the cold cap helps protect hair follicles from the damaging effects of chemotherapy. It prevents or reduces hair loss (alopecia).
Dr Vijayakumar added that the effectiveness of scalp cooling varies among individuals. Some people experience minimal hair loss, while others may still lose some hair. The Oncologist will help determine if scalp cooling is suitable for your specific chemotherapy regimen.
(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)
(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)
