Introduction
Scalp cooling has been used to mitigate chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), but few studies have been conducted on Asian patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Paxman cooling system in Japanese women with breast cancer undergoing (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy.
Objective
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Paxman scalp cooling system in preventing alopecia in Japanese patients with breast cancer.
Methods
This prospective study included 143 Japanese women with breast cancer who received (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy. Scalp cooling was performed 30 minutes before, during, and 90 minutes after each chemotherapy infusion. The primary outcomes were the percentage of patients with grade 3 alopecia (more than 50% hair loss) and the use of a wig or cap one month after the last infusion. Symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and chills were also evaluated.
Results
Of the 143 patients, 122 completed chemotherapy. Of these, 60.7% had grade 3 alopecia one month after treatment. Among the 79 patients who completed scalp cooling throughout chemotherapy, 45.6% experienced grade 3 alopecia. In comparison, 88.3% of patients who discontinued cooling early (typically after the first cycle) had grade 3 alopecia.
Analysis
Scalp cooling significantly reduced the rate of alopecia in patients who used it for the entire treatment. The study also showed that the type of chemotherapy influences effectiveness: regimens based on taxanes and anthracyclines showed better hair preservation results.
Efficacy of Scalp Cooling
The Paxman system showed moderate efficacy in preventing alopecia, with better results in patients who completed the cooling treatment, especially those receiving taxane-based chemotherapy regimens.
Safety of Scalp Cooling
The most common side effects were headaches, fatigue, and chills, though these were mild in most cases. Some patients reported jaw pain due to the fit of the cooling cap.
Study Heterogeneity
The study did not include a control group, but used the results of patients who discontinued cooling as a comparison. This may introduce some bias, though the results support the effectiveness of cooling.
Quality of Life and Psychological Outcomes
Despite positive results in mitigating hair loss, almost all patients (86.1%) used a wig or cap one month after chemotherapy, suggesting strong social pressure regarding physical appearance.
Key Data
-
- Reduction in Alopecia Risk: Patients who completed cooling had an alopecia rate of 45.6%, while those who discontinued had a rate of 89.3%.
-
- Relative Risk (RR): The alopecia rate was significantly lower in patients who completed cooling.
-
- Number of Participants: 143 patients participated in the study, of whom 122 were evaluable.
-
- Type of Chemotherapy: Docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (TC) regimens showed a higher degree of hair loss than anthracycline and taxane-based regimens.
-
- Adverse Events: Side effects included headaches, chills, and fatigue, but were mostly mild and tolerable.
Conclusion
The Paxman scalp cooling system is moderately effective in preventing alopecia in Japanese patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy.
Document Analysis Method
In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the way we process and understand information. Using advanced AI tools, we have summarised and analysed a key scientific document to facilitate understanding. This article provides an accessible overview of the efficacy and safety of scalp cooling to prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia, offering valuable information for both patients and healthcare professionals.
For those interested in exploring further, the complete PDF document is available for download below. This file contains all information and analyses on the efficacy and safety of scalp cooling in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
