Chemotherapy-Related Hair Loss Can Be Prevented: Dignicap Scalp Cooling Receives FDA Approval

DigniCap Receives FDA Approval

Chemotherapy-related hair loss is among the commonest and most distressing treatment effects. Scalp cooling has been known to prevent temporary chemotherapy hair loss for approximately 40 years, yet has not achieved deserved widespread use in our country or worldwide. A new United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval may change this: Dignicap received approval for preventing hair loss (alopecia) in women with breast cancer on 8 December 2015.

Also called Kemocap, it reduces skin blood flow and hair follicle temperature, limiting chemotherapy's adverse effects on follicles.

It is most commonly used in breast cancer patients receiving postoperative protective (adjuvant) or preoperative tumor-shrinking (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy. Use with other treatment modalities should be decided with the oncologist.

As one of our country's most experienced teams, we have successfully prevented chemotherapy hair loss with Dignicap in our clinic for more than 3 years.

The FDA approval study involved 122 breast cancer patients and found %66 success. We have used the method in 113 patients, with success of %72. We presented our experience orally at the 21. National Cancer Congress, attracting great interest.

The method has broad application, but must never be used in hematological cancers. Reported success varies and depends on chemotherapy type, dose, number of treatments and careful use of the cooling system.

In conclusion, trained, experienced oncology nurses can easily administer scalp cooling, a proven hair-loss prevention method with very few side effects.

Dignicap scalp cooling in a breast cancer patient at our clinic

Kemocap cools the scalp to +5 degrees and stays on for 2 hours after chemotherapy. Hair roots are moistened before cooling.

An appropriate cap is selected and fitted. Hair washing is not recommended for 2 days after Kemocap.