Patient-Reported Outcome Assessment and Objective Evaluation of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

February 2018 in “ European journal of oncology nursing ”

M.M.C. Komen, Corina van den Hurk, J.W.R. Nortier, Tjeerd van der Ploeg, Carolien H. Smorenburg, J.J.M. van der Hoeven

chemotherapy-induced alopecia scalp cooling Hair Mass Index Hair Check CIA HMI

Studysummary This study found that the Hair Mass Index is suitable for quantifying hair loss, but patient self-assessment is the most reliable method for evaluating chemotherapy-induced alopecia in clinical practice. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study evaluated the efficacy of scalp cooling in preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) by comparing patient-reported outcomes with quantitative measurements using the Hair Mass Index (HMI). Results showed that baseline HMI did not predict hair loss, and HMI declined throughout chemotherapy cycles, which was not reflected in patient-reported measures. Patient opinions correlated moderately with doctors and nurses but strongly with hairdressers. The study concluded that while the Hair Check is useful for quantifying hair loss, patient opinions should be considered the best method for assessing hair loss in clinical practice.

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Research cited in this study

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research Hair Mass Index Obtained by Cross-Section Trichometry: An Objective and Clinically Useful Parameter to Quantify Hair in Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

7 citations , January 2013 in “Supportive care in cancer”

In this study, cross-section trichometry was found to be a precise method for measuring hair loss in chemotherapy patients, but marking the measurement site on the scalp is not always necessary.

research Evaluation of Cohen's Cross-Section Trichometer for Measuring Hair Quantity

13 citations , January 2012 in “Dermatologic surgery”

This study found that the cross-section trichometer is a promising tool for measuring hair mass index with high reproducibility, suggesting potential clinical and research applications.

research Presentation, Impact and Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss: Scalp Cooling Potentials and Limitations

62 citations , February 2011 in “Expert review of dermatology”

This review discusses the incidence, reversibility, and impact of chemotherapy-induced alopecia and concludes that scalp cooling is the most effective prevention method in most cases, though some questions remain.

research The Cross-Section Trichometer: A New Device for Measuring Hair Quantity, Hair Loss, and Hair Growth

29 citations , March 2008 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study developed a prototype device that suggests potential for diagnosing changes in hair quantity, diameter, and density, though formal clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.

research Methods of Evaluating Hair Growth

63 citations , February 2003 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

This review discusses various methods for measuring scalp hair growth in androgenetic alopecia and reports no new results; the authors suggest that computer-assisted technology has untapped potential.

Assessment of Hair Loss: Clinical Relevance of Hair Growth Evaluation Methods