Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for patients with cancer, but it often leads to hair loss, which can have significant emotional and psychological effects.
Hair loss is consistently ranked among the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy, impacting self esteem and body image.
In fact, it is estimated that 8% of people refuse chemotherapy to avoid losing their hair.
Scalp cooling is a process in which a specialised cap is worn during chemotherapy to reduce hair loss and the likelihood of alopecia, by minimising the impact of chemotherapy drugs on hair follicles. Studies show that scalp cooling can hugely alleviate hair loss, and speed up regrowth post treatment, although outcomes vary by treatment type.
The availability of scalp cooling units at UCLH was very limited due to their cost and high demand from patients. With two of the existing scalp cooling units out of warranty, we have now raised enough money to purchase replacement scalp cooling machines. This will ensure that in the event of any breakages, access to scalp cooling for patients won't drop, and on days where scheduling allows, more patients will be able to access scalp cooling.
We were initially approached by Nikki, a patient who had used scalp cooling during her first round of chemotherapy. Nikki hadn't been able to access this vital service during her current treatment, due to the limited availability of machines.
“When I first ‘cold capped’ in 2017, it worked well for me, although I still lost quite a lot of hair, which was distressing enough. This time around, I’m keen to use the cold cap again, and it’s stressful worrying whether it’s going to be possible to access one.
There is clearly a need for this service, and it would mean a huge amount to me to be able to help my fellow patients.”
Cooling the Scalp
The scalp is cooled before, during, and after chemotherapy using special caps or machines that circulate cold liquid.
Blood Flow Reduction
Cooling makes the blood vessels in the scalp smaller, reducing blood flow to the hair follicles. This means less chemotherapy drug reaches the hair follicles, protecting them from damage. The cold slows down the activity of hair follicle cells, making them less vulnerable to the chemotherapy drugs.
Scalp cooling is suitable for many patients, and may be used by people with any type of hair, but there are some exclusions. For example, it can only be used with certain chemotherapy drugs, and is not suitable for patients with haematological cancers, or medical conditions such as being sensitive to the cold.
Results vary by patient; some people keep most of their hair, whereas other still lose some. Many patients report reduced hair loss, and quicker regrowth of hair following chemotherapy. Even in cases where the scalp cooling doesn't work, patients often report that they are grateful for having had the option to try, and feel it was worth it.