Now, keeping your hair during chemo is up to you.
Side effects and tolerance to treatment are two of the main concerns among patients considering using the hypothermic cap during chemotherapy. This technique, known as scalp cooling, aims to reduce hair loss by cooling the scalp, which decreases local blood flow and the absorption of cytotoxic drugs [1].
The most common side effects include:
Intense feeling of cold
Headache during or after use
Dizziness or disorientation
Localised pain on the forehead, neck or scalp
These symptoms, although bothersome, are generally mild, transitory and not compromising continuity of treatment [2][3]. Thanks to technological advances, modern devices allow temperature to be adjusted dynamically, reducing the intensity of adverse effects [4].
The tolerance to the hypothermic cap is high in most patients. Studies such as the DigniCap study report that more than 80 %s complete their cycles without significant interruptions due to adverse effects [5]. According to satisfaction surveys, discomfort during the procedure is transient and acceptable [6].
One of the frequent questions is whether cooling the scalp might facilitate the local metastasis. This is a theoretical hypothesis based on the possible protection of tumour cells by vasoconstriction, but the available clinical evidence does not support this concern. A meta-analysis of more than 3,000 patients shows scalp metastasis rates of less than 1 % and no significant difference between those who did and did not use cooling [7][8].
Furthermore, local cooling does not interfere with the systemic efficacy of chemotherapy, as it does not reduce blood drug levels to clinically relevant levels [9]. Current systems use sensors that automatically regulate the temperature, which reduces the risk of thermal injury and improves patient experience [10].
Ultimately, the use of hypothermic caps has established itself as an effective and safe intervention in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Most of the side effects are mild and temporary, and the long-term risks, such as the possibility of scalp metastases, are clinically insignificant according to available data [7][8][11].
In addition to protecting the hair, this technique has a positive impact on the patient's self-esteem and quality of life, which is essential during such a demanding process as chemotherapy [12].
We invite you to watch the following video where we show step by step how to use the cooling cap and clarify the most frequent doubts.
1. Does it hurt to put on the hypothermic cap?
Most patients describe the sensation as annoying, but tolerable. During the first few minutes, the cooling may cause pain in the forehead or scalp, but this usually decreases as the session progresses. Some centres apply strategies such as the use of mild painkillers or gradual pre-cooling phases.
2. What are the most common side effects?
The most common include:
Intense feeling of cold
Headache
Pressure on the forehead or neck
Mild dizziness
These effects usually disappear soon after the end of the session and are not considered serious【1】.
3. Can the cooling cap cause scalp metastases?
This is a theoretical risk which generated controversy in the past, but current clinical studies have not found an increased incidence of local metastasis. in patients wearing hypothermic caps【2】. The available scientific evidence considers it safe.
4. What if I can't stand the cold of the treatment?
In this case, it is important to communicate it to the medical team. It is possible to adjust usage times, introduce breaks or even consider other methods. However, the majority of patients adapt after the first few sessions【3】.
Select the length of your chemotherapy sessions to get your personalised cold cap recommendation, along with the price and details of the ideal plan for you.
