New scalp cooling treatment helps reduce hair loss for patients undergoing chemotherapy

BERLIN, Md. – “The diagnosis of the cancer itself is bothersome and then many of them have to go through the treatment. Treatment has a lot of toxicity and one of the most bothersome toxicities especially for women is the hair loss,” Atlantic General Hospital Medical Oncologist Dr. Rabindra Paul said.

Atlantic General Hospital said studies have shown that 10% of individuals with cancer have either refused chemo or requested a less effective treatment to avoid significant hair loss impacts. Yet, AGH’s Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center recently received new equipment to help patients with the hair loss they experience while undergoing chemotherapy.

A $100,000 donation by the cancer center’s namesake makes AGH’s cancer center the first on Delmarva to provide hair loss treatment with the Paxman Scalp Cooling System. “That’s why cancer care is totally different than it was 40 years ago. For a lot of men and women who use this technology its very surprising to the public that they’re undergoing treatment,” Cancer Center Director Chanelle Lake said.

Lake said it keeps the capillaries, or blood vessels, in one’s head cool so that treatment doesn’t reach the hair follicles. “Once the chemotherapy is administered and depending on the hair type, the patients would have the caps on their heads for another 30 to 90 minutes to ensure that cooling mechanism is happening to preserve their hair follicles,” she said.

Dr. Paul told 47ABC the goal is to help provide patients with a sense of normalcy, especially as they’re going through what many consider a devastating part of their lives. “It’s putting another layer of stress on the patient. They go through a lot of emotionally toll on top of their physical and mental health impacts because of their appearance and hair loss,” Dr. Paul said.

Lake added that having the new equipment not only keeps the health care system innovative but also increases their level of service. “It’s showing that whatever treatments that are available on the Western Shore or in northern Delaware or even New York, we can provide that same care here in this small setting and small town,” she said.

Ideal candidates for the cooling treatment include patients diagnosed with breast cancer. We’re told it wouldn’t be a good fit for more aggressive chemotherapy or cancers.

The Burbage Cancer Center tells us most side effects include minor headaches and skin irritation.