Hypothermia cap

Hypothermia cap is a medical device used to cool the scalp during chemotherapy in order to prevent or reduce hair loss, a common side effect of many chemotherapy drugs. The cap can be cooled by a refrigeration unit or by using frozen inserts.

Mechanism of action

The hypothermia cap works by reducing the temperature of the scalp, which in turn reduces the blood flow to hair follicles. This makes it harder for chemotherapy drugs to reach and damage hair follicles, thereby reducing hair loss.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of hypothermia caps in preventing hair loss during chemotherapy varies. Some studies have found that they can significantly reduce hair loss, while others have found that they have little effect. Factors that can influence the effectiveness of hypothermia caps include the type of chemotherapy drug used, the dose of the drug, and the individual patient's response to the drug.

Risks and side effects

While hypothermia caps can help to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy, they are not without risks and side effects. These can include headaches, scalp pain, and skin problems on the scalp. In rare cases, the use of a hypothermia cap can lead to scalp metastases, although this risk is thought to be very low.

See also

• Chemotherapy
• Hair loss
• Scalp cooling

References

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