Results of Scalp Cooling During Anthracycline-Containing Chemotherapy Depend on Scalp Skin Temperature

September 2016 in “ Breast ”

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

scalp cooling chemotherapy-induced alopecia CIA anthracycline scalp skin temperature chemotherapy hair loss

TLDR Cooler scalp temperatures during chemotherapy may prevent hair loss.

This study explored the relationship between scalp skin temperature and the effectiveness of scalp cooling in preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) in 62 breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline-containing chemotherapy. The results indicated that the efficacy of scalp cooling was temperature-dependent, with the best outcomes observed when the scalp temperature decreased below 18°C. Specifically, 21% of patients did not require a wig or head covering, and these patients had a significantly lower mean scalp skin temperature (18°C) compared to those who experienced alopecia (20°C). The study concluded that achieving a scalp skin temperature of at least 18°C is crucial for the success of scalp cooling in preventing CIA.

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Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: Emotional Distress and Mitigation Strategies

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Scalp cooling might reduce hair loss from chemotherapy, but evidence is weak and other treatments are being tested.

research Protection Against Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

97 citations, September 2006 in “Pharmaceutical Research”

No treatment fully prevents hair loss from chemotherapy yet.

research Hair and Cancer Chemotherapy: Consequences and Nursing Care - A Literature Study

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Chemotherapy-induced hair loss significantly affects patients' well-being, and nurses are key in helping them cope, but more research is needed to find effective treatments.

research Prevention of Doxorubicin-Induced Alopecia by Scalp Hypothermia: Relation to Degree of Cooling

53 citations, June 1982 in “The BMJ”

Cooling the scalp below 22°C before and during chemotherapy can help prevent hair loss.

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research Results of Scalp Cooling During Anthracycline-Containing Chemotherapy Depend on Scalp Skin Temperature

21 citations, September 2016 in “Breast”

Cooler scalp temperatures during chemotherapy may prevent hair loss.

Results of Scalp Cooling During Anthracycline-Containing Chemotherapy Depend on Scalp Skin Temperature

Research cited in this study

research Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: Emotional Distress and Mitigation Strategies

research Protection Against Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

research Hair and Cancer Chemotherapy: Consequences and Nursing Care - A Literature Study

research Prevention of Doxorubicin-Induced Alopecia by Scalp Hypothermia: Relation to Degree of Cooling

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research Results of Scalp Cooling During Anthracycline-Containing Chemotherapy Depend on Scalp Skin Temperature