Scalp Cooling to Prevent Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

The document reviewed the effectiveness of scalp cooling in preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) and concluded that it significantly reduced hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy, particularly with drugs like anthracyclines and taxanes. Scalp cooling worked by lowering scalp temperature, reducing follicular drug uptake, and protecting hair follicles. The procedure was generally well-tolerated, with common adverse effects including headaches, nausea, and coldness, and did not increase the risk of scalp metastases. However, it was not recommended for patients with hematologic malignancies or cold-precipitated diseases. The findings supported scalp cooling as a viable method to improve the quality of life for cancer patients by mitigating hair loss, though long-term follow-up studies were needed.