Scalp cooling is a proven approach to reduce chemotherapy-induced alopecia that has been used successfully by thousands of patients worldwide for several decades.

What is scalp cooling

Scalp cooling is a proven approach to reduce chemotherapy-induced alopecia that has been used successfully by thousands of patients worldwide for several decades. Reduced temperature results in a decreased blood flow to the scalp area so that less chemotherapy reaches the hair cells. Hair cells are therefore not exposed to the full dose of chemotherapy and may be able to survive the chemotherapy treatment. As a result, hair is less likely to fall out.

How Scalp Cooling Works

Two physiologic reactions occur during scalp cooling:

1. Reduced blood flow–vasoconstriction in the localized scalp area limits the amount of chemotherapy agent delivered to the scalp and hair follicles.

2. Reduced reaction rate – the lower scalp temperature decreases metabolism causing normal cellular activity in the localized scalp area to slow dramatically. Fewer chemotherapy agents are then absorbed by the hair cells and damage is significantly reduced.

WHY SCALP COOLING MATTERS

A patient’s hair can be a major part of their identity, and many patients rate hair loss as one of the most devastating side effects of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is an unwelcome reminder of disease, one that can negatively affect self-image, confidence, overall sense of well-being and a patient’s attitude toward treatment.

Hair loss is no longer inevitable. The DigniCap Scalp Cooling System is a proven approach to reduce chemotherapy-induced alopecia, used successfully by thousands of patients worldwide to maintain privacy, self-esteem and control during a critical period of treatment.