Innovations for Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Solutions to Combat Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: A Narrative Systematic Review

January 2026 in “ Supportive Care in Cancer ”

Noor Mastura Mohd Mujar, Muhamad Sharan Musa, Puteri Norliza Megat Ramli

chemotherapy-induced alopecia scalp cooling technologies gel-based cooling caps cryogel cooling caps silicone-based cooling caps biodegradable materials recyclable materials solar-powered designs reusable designs CIA cooling caps

Studysummary This narrative systematic review reports that gel-based, cryogel, and silicone-based cooling caps offer cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional machine-operated systems for preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss, particularly benefiting low-income and low-resource settings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This narrative systematic review analyzed 52 studies on innovations in scalp cooling technologies to address chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). The review highlights that gel-based, cryogel, and silicone-based cooling caps provide cost-effective alternatives to machine-operated systems, while biodegradable and recyclable materials improve environmental sustainability. Solar-powered and reusable designs are promising for low-resource settings. These innovations can enhance equity in cancer care by making hair-preserving interventions more accessible and sustainable for low-income patients.

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Research cited in this study

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research Expanding the Availability of Scalp Cooling to All Patients at Risk of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

5 citations , July 2024 in “Journal of Market Access & Health Policy”

This paper discusses the introduction and advantages of an Insurance-Based Billing Model for scalp cooling devices in the USA, which can enhance access to this treatment for reducing chemotherapy-induced alopecia, particularly benefiting underserved and disadvantaged populations.

research Hair Safe Study: Effects of Scalp Cooling on Hair Preservation and Hair Regrowth in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy - A Prospective Interventional Study

6 citations , April 2022 in “The Breast”

This study found that scalp cooling significantly reduced chemotherapy-induced hair loss in breast cancer patients, especially those receiving taxane monotherapy, but did not significantly affect hair regrowth after chemotherapy.

research Cancer-Related Alopecia: From Etiologies to Global Management

4 citations , November 2021 in “Cancers”

This paper reviews various causes of alopecia in cancer patients and highlights the importance of understanding these mechanisms for effective management, but reports no new findings.

research Cooling-Mediated Protection from Chemotherapy Drug-Induced Cytotoxicity in Human Keratinocytes by Inhibition of Cellular Drug Uptake

11 citations , October 2020 in “PLoS ONE”

This study found that scalp cooling markedly reduces cellular uptake of anthracycline drugs in human keratinocytes, partially explaining its protective effect against chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity.

research Scalp Cooling to Prevent Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

17 citations , June 2020 in “Anais brasileiros de dermatologia/Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

This paper provides an overview of scalp cooling as an effective and safe intervention for preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia, addressing its impact on cancer patients and survivors.

research The Effect and Mechanism of YH0618 Granule on Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss in Patients with Breast Cancer: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Multi-Center Clinical Trial

4 citations , December 2019 in “Trials”

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of YH0618 granules in preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss in breast cancer patients through a randomized, double-blind, multi-center clinical trial, focusing on potential mechanisms related to kidney deficiency as understood in Chinese Medicine. Results are not yet reported.

research Efficacy of Interventions for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

110 citations , August 2014 in “International journal of cancer”

This study found that scalp cooling significantly reduced the risk of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in breast cancer patients, while topical minoxidil and other interventions did not show significant efficacy.