The Efficacy of Scalp Cooling in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy for Primary Gynecologic Cancers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

March 2026 in “ Scientific Reports ”

Shuk Tak Kwok, Lesley Suk Kwan Lau, Tat On Chan, Mandy Man Yee Chu, Siew Fei Ngu, Karen Kar Loen Chan, Hextan Yuen Sheung Ngan, Pei Ho, Lina Wu, Damaris Suk Mei Hung, H. P. Lo, Christina Sze Man Wong, Ka Yu Tse

scalp cooling chemotherapy-induced alopecia carboplatin paclitaxel

TLDR Scalp cooling reduces hair loss and improves quality of life during chemotherapy.

The CHARM study investigated the efficacy of scalp cooling in preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) in women with primary gynecologic cancers undergoing carboplatin and paclitaxel treatment. In this randomized controlled trial, 86 women participated, with 44 in the scalp cooling group and 42 in the control group. The intervention group showed a significantly higher success rate in hair preservation (29.6% vs. 0%) and experienced better global health status, physical functioning, and role functioning during chemotherapy. They also had lower psychological distress and PHQ-ADS scores after cycle 2 and post-chemotherapy. Despite these benefits, the intervention group had a 30% drop-out rate. The study concludes that scalp cooling can reduce CIA and improve quality of life, but further efforts are needed to enhance acceptance and compliance, particularly in Asian populations.

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Research cited in this study

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25 citations , March 2018 in “Journal of oncology practice”

Scalp cooling is an effective and safe way to prevent hair loss from chemotherapy, with manageable side effects and low risk of scalp cancer.

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Scalp cooling is the most effective FDA-approved method to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss, but more research is needed for other treatments.

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37 citations , October 2017 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Scalp cooling effectively reduces hair loss from chemotherapy.

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Some patients using cold caps to prevent hair loss from chemotherapy got mild scalp injuries similar to frostbite.

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Scalp cooling devices need to be powerful enough to overcome heat loss and reach the right temperature to prevent hair loss from chemotherapy.

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community 4.5 months/ Fin+Niz+Keto+Vitamins+Derm+Cold Water only washes

in Progress Pictures 619 upvotes 4 years ago

User achieved hair regrowth in 4.5 months using Fin, Min, Nizoral, vitamins, dermarolling, and cold water washes. Cold water washes improved scalp health, but unsure if significant contributor to regrowth.

community Article of all potential future cures

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Ritlecitinib and PP405 show promise for hair regrowth. Diagnosing the cause of hair loss is crucial before treatment.

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The user's decision to shave their head rather than continue using drugs like finasteride and minoxidil to try and stop hair loss, as well as other suggestions such as scalp micropigmentation.

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A 35-year-old man, balding since 18, has seen growth of small, almost white hairs all over his scalp after 1.5 months on oral finasteride and minoxidil. Users suggest sticking with the treatment for a year, adding microneedling, and potentially trying RU58841 or dutasteride.

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

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The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community I always hear the advice to reduce scalp inflammation. What are some non-steroidal ways to reduce inflammation?

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