Mater Private Specialist Quick Find

News

Cancer patients offered scalp cooling to combat hair loss

Monday 27 March 2017

Cancer patients offered scalp cooling to combat hair loss

Mater Private Hospital Springfield is one of the first hospitals in Queensland to be able to offer its patients access to a scalp cooling device to combat hair loss as a result of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy induced hair loss, although reversible, is one of the most distressing side effects for patients undergoing chemotherapy. 

Medical Oncologist at Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Dr Amit Sharma said hair loss has been associated with increased psychological distress, decreased body image and decreased self-esteem.

“Hair loss quite often ranks as highly as fatigue and nausea as the most feared side effects of cancer treatment,” Dr Sharma said.

“Chemotherapy acts on rapidly growing cells and hair is the second fastest dividing cell in the body.  This is the reason why many chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss which usually occurs 7-14 days after treatment.

“Scalp cooling is widely available in the UK and Europe.  It works by lowering the temperature of the head and scalp immediately before, during and after administration of chemotherapy. This causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels of the scalp, thereby reducing the blood flow to the hair follicles in the period of peak plasma concentration of the relevant chemotherapy agent. The reduction of metabolic activity by cold temperature also lessens the effects of chemotherapy agents.”

The Paxman Scalp Cooling Unit uses a small refrigerated cooling system to pump a liquid coolant through a light silicone cap that is attached to the cooling system. Coolant passes through the cap, extracting heat from the scalp.

“Scalp cooling is a simple treatment that can prevent or lessen hair loss caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. It can provide patients the opportunity to regain some control, maintaining their privacy and preserving self esteem and dignity,” Dr Sharma said.

If one of your patients is interested in using the Paxman Scalp Cooling System while having their adjuvant chemotherapy, please ask them to contact Mater Private Hospital Springfield’s Cancer Care Team on 07 3098 5411.

Archived news

View our online archive news articles.

  • Mater e-news and publications

    View past editions of Mater's newsletters and publications for the medical community

    Read more

  • Professional Development

    GP Education, Maternity Shared Care Alignment Program and Events.

    Read more

  • Featured Event

    Wednesday 27 March | Mater Private Hospital Redland

    Read more