An improved "ice-cap" to prevent alopecia caused by adriamycin (doxorubicin).

Abstract

Cooling the scalp prevents the epilation which is an almost invariable complication of the use of Adriamycin (Edelstyn et al, 1977). This constricts the blood vessels supplying the hair follicles, thereby reducing the concentration of the drug that reaches them. Anderson et al (1981) have described the use of gel packs moulded together with waterproof tape to form a cap on a wig stand. They found this method of great value in preventing alopecia, though some patients had minor hair loss. Some patients with liver damage had severe alopecia in spite of the ice-cap. A recent paper has suggested that the degree of alopecia is temperature-dependent, and the temperature should be below 22°C (Gregory et al, 1982). Another attempt to produce a suitable cap has been made using a thermocirculator to allow precise temperature control (Guy et al, 1982).