Chemo-induced hair loss: prevention of a distressing side-effect

Abstract

temperature of below 15˚C. Both scalp cooling techniques require a pre-cooling time of 30 minutes for the cap to be maintained during chemotherapy administration and 1–3 hours post cooling time, which is dependent on the chemotherapy drugs administered. Post-cooling time is dependent on the chemotherapy drug but is generally 45–90 minutes. Van den Hurk et al (2012) conducted a large prospective multi-centre study on scalp cooling in patients having chemotherapy. It aimed to provide patient information by estimating the results of scalp cooling in chemotherapy regimens. Characteristics associated with these results were also identified in order to provide a better understanding of the determinants that may improve scalp cooling results. The results were recorded in the open patient registry; they were positive for most chemotherapy regimens, justifying the use of scalp cooling by all eligible patients. Most patients tolerated scalp cooling well, with common side-effects including transient light-headedness, dizziness, headaches and an unpleasant feeling, which can be due to the heaviness of the cap. There was some indication that the success of decreasing chemotherapyinduced hair loss may be dependant on a combination of factors including the