Scalp Cooling Device Prevents Hair Loss
This article was part of our April Fool’s edition. 57% of poll participants guessed that this story was a hoax. Well guess what? This technology is the REAL DEAL. It’s called DigniCap.
A scalp cooling system has been shown to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss in women with breast cancer. In an FDA clinical trial involving the technology, seven out of 10 early-stage breast cancer patients kept at least 50% of their hair.
The system consists of a silicone cooling cap that fits snug on the head, along with an outer neoprene cap to insulate and secure the silicone cap, which is connected to a cooling and control unit. When operating, a liquid coolant circulates throughout the cap to provide controlled cooling to the scalp.
As the temperature of the scalp is lowered, vasoconstriction occurs, resulting in a lower rate of chemotherapy delivery to the scalp and a decreased intra-follicular metabolic rate, thereby reducing cellular drug uptake.
“We are very excited to be the first oncology practice in the area to provide the system to our breast cancer patients. Losing hair during chemotherapy can be a devastating experience and no woman should have to go through such physical and emotional trauma in this day and age,” said Dr. Young Lee from Chesapeake Oncology & Hematology COHA, in a company press release. “In the past, we have used different types of scalp cooling caps that were very cumbersome and labor intensive.”
The system will be initially rolled out at 10 cancer treatment centers in the south and in California.
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