Cooling Cap therapy to prevent hair loss in cancer patients?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a cooling cap for use by patients with any kind of solid tumor to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. Initially cleared for patients with breast cancer in 2015, the device is intended to reduce the frequency and severity of hair loss in adult patients with solid tumors who are receiving chemotherapy known to cause this common side effect, as per the agency’s statement.
Clinical trials?
The device should not be used for pediatric patients, patients with certain types of cancers, or patients undergoing specific chemotherapy treatments. Additionally, cooling caps may not be suitable for patients with cold sensitivity or a susceptibility to cold-related injuries.
The most common side effects of the cooling system include cold-induced headaches, neck and shoulder discomfort, chills, and pain associated with wearing the cooling cap for an extended period. The risk of the chemotherapy drug missing an isolated grouping of cancer cells in the scalp due to the cooling cap is rare.
What is a cooling cap?
Cold cap therapy is a scalp-cooling treatment that helps minimize hair loss and reduce minor swelling. Approved by the FDA in 2015, this treatment may help relieve migraine or headache symptoms and other hair and scalp conditions. It’s worth noting that while some health insurance companies cover the cost, others do not. However, more doctors are recommending cooling caps as part of treatment for their patients’ well-being.
How does it work?
Cooling cap therapy involves wearing a specially designed cap filled with Crylon gel to cool the hair follicles, reducing their metabolic rate and causing them to go into a hibernated state. It’s important to wear and change the caps every 20 to 25 minutes to maintain the correct scalp temperature during treatment.
What are my other options?
It’s important to note that cooling caps are not recommended for patients undergoing long-term cancer treatment, as studies and research have shown that they are not as effective. Although your doctor may prescribe the use of a cooling cap, some health insurance companies still consider this treatment experimental at best and may not approve it. If you are a woman in this category, please contact Ada Leroux Hair System to learn more about the non-surgical hair replacement services offered https://adalerouxhair.com/about-us/.
For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-clears-expanded-use-cooling-cap-reduce-hair-loss-during-chemotherapy.
