Scalp Hypothermia as a Preventative Measure for Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: A Review of Controlled Clinical Trials

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

Vidhi V. Shah, Tongyu C. Wikramanayake, G.M. DelCanto, Corina van den Hurk, Shenhong Wu, Mario E. Lacouture, Joaquín J. Jiménez

scalp hypothermia chemotherapy-induced alopecia scalp cooling hair loss chemotherapy regimens cold intolerance mild headaches scalp metastasis headaches

TLDR Scalp cooling effectively reduces hair loss from chemotherapy.

The review of controlled clinical trials on scalp hypothermia as a preventative measure for chemotherapy-induced alopecia concluded that scalp cooling significantly reduced hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Among 1,107 patients in 10 controlled clinical trials, 28% of those who received scalp cooling experienced hair loss compared to 76% who did not. In 8 randomized controlled trials with 375 patients, 52% of those who received scalp cooling preserved their hair versus 9.5% in the control group. The studies indicated that patients receiving scalp cooling were 2.7 to 5.5 times more likely to avoid hair loss. Despite some variability due to different chemotherapy regimens and cooling methods, the overall data supported the efficacy of scalp cooling, with common adverse events being cold intolerance and mild headaches. Concerns about scalp metastasis were minimal. The review highlighted the need for further research to establish standardized guidelines for optimal use.

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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

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.

research Cold Thermal Injury from Cold Caps Used for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

22 citations, May 2016 in “Breast cancer research and treatment”

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

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”

Scalp cooling significantly reduces chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

research Efficacy and Tolerability of Two Scalp Cooling Systems for the Prevention of Alopecia Associated with Docetaxel Treatment

52 citations, May 2013 in “Supportive Care in Cancer”

Scalp cooling significantly reduces hair loss in chemotherapy patients.

research Pathobiology of Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

218 citations, January 2013 in “The Lancet Oncology”

Chemotherapy causes hair loss by damaging hair follicles and stem cells, with more research needed for prevention and treatment.

research Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

103 citations, December 2011 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Chemotherapy often causes temporary hair loss, which is distressing and needs better treatment and support.

research Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

64 citations, July 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Scalp cooling can prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss, and certain treatments can speed up hair regrowth, but more research is needed for better treatments.

research Efficacy of Penguin Cap as Scalp Cooling System for Prevention of Alopecia in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

27 citations, June 2011 in “Journal of Advanced Nursing”

The penguin cap can help reduce hair loss in chemotherapy patients.

research Permanent Alopecia After Systemic Chemotherapy: A Clinicopathological Study of 10 Cases

57 citations, March 2011 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology”

Chemotherapy can cause permanent, non-reversible hair loss similar to pattern baldness.

research Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: Emotional Distress and Mitigation Strategies

155 citations, March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

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 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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