Hair loss can be a big concern for people who are going through chemotherapy. While hair typically grows back after treatment, the loss of hair can be distressing, as it is a reminder of how cancer has changed them.
Cold capping, or scalp cooling, is a type of therapy that might reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapy.
Cold capping treatment uses a device to lower the temperature of the scalp and constrict the blood vessels. The cold helps keep cell-killing chemo away from hair follicles to protect the hair.
The two main types of scalp cooling devices are automated and manual, and they work in different ways.
Automated cold caps are automated scalp cooling systems that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are covered by insurance. They work by connecting a special cap to an automated device that circulates a liquid or gel cooled to a specific temperature. Automated cold caps are only approved for chemo-induced hair loss related to solid tumor cancers, not blood cancers.
Manual scalp cooling devices are frozen gel caps that are not regulated by the FDA and are not covered by insurance. This type of device doesn’t use an automated cooling system. Instead, it is manually cooled in a freezer or with dry ice. The temperature for frozen gel caps must be much lower compared to automated cold cap systems, because the cap starts to warm as soon as it is put on a person’s head. A new frozen cap must be put on every 30 minutes.
A cancer care team may advise against a patient using cold capping if they:
- Have blood cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma, or have a central nervous system cancer
- Have a history of migraines
- Live with liver disease
- Had or will have radiation therapy to the skull
- Are preparing for a bone marrow transplant
- Are under the age of 18
Research has shown that each person responds to scalp cooling differently. These devices work better for certain types or doses of chemotherapy. For example, if a chemo regimen includes anthracycline, scalp cooling might not work as well to reduce or prevent hair loss.
Some research also suggests that scalp cooling to prevent hair loss might not work as well for people with a thicker hair layer, compared to those with a thinner layer of hair. This could be because thicker hair insulates the scalp, preventing it from cooling down enough.
Additionally, there is research that suggests that the fit of a cooling cap is important. Cooling caps that aren’t fitted tightly have been linked with more hair loss. Increased hair loss often happens in patches where the cap’s contact with the scalp is poor. Therefore, it is highly recommended to receive cold cap therapy with the assistance or guidance of a trained healthcare professional.
Scalp cooling side effects are rare and usually tolerable. The most common side effects reported include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dry skin
- Claustrophobia
- General discomfort related to feeling cold
There have been a small number of reports of scalp thermal injuries that happened when people use the non-regulated manual cold caps. The MediSys Health Network Cancer Center offers cold cap treatment approved by the FDA to help patients lower their risk of chemotherapy hair loss.
If you would like to learn more about cancer treatments such as cold capping, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.