Scalp Cooling Caps have come up that keep the hair temperature lower than the normal thus decreasing the flow of chemotherapy through hair follicles and lowering the hair fall rate. The technology was approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last year.
While undergoing cancer treatment, a large number of people face severe hair loss due to side effects. However, those who fear about hair loss during chemotherapy, can now take heart. Soon, patients can control hair loss by just putting a cap on their head during the chemotherapy sessions.
Scalp Cooling Caps have come up that keep the hair temperature lower than the normal thus decreasing the flow of chemotherapy through hair follicles and lowering the hair fall rate. The technology was approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last year.
“It is believed, near-freezing temperatures reduce blood flow in the scalp, which makes it tough for cancer-fighting drugs to reach and harm hair follicles. The tight-fitting, insulated cap is connected to a cooling machine while patients undergo chemotherapy. This will in turn be a major boost to people who are undergoing chemotherapy and help them regain their lost confidence,” said Dr Sajjan S Rajpurohit, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC).
When the cold elements are applied to the scalp in the form of cold caps, blood vessels that would otherwise carry the drugs to the hair follicles become restricted. Consequently, preserving patient’s scalp hair. The machines are yet to be installed in the hospitals.
“Tight sitting caps which is worn and has frozen gel in it. The gel is frozen between -15 to -40 Fahrenheit. It is definitely here to stay. All women gets scared once they hear of hair loss during chemotherapy. Many women drop out of therapy and go into depression. Earlier people used to think that it might hinder the drug circulation system but various studies have shown that it does not affect the drug circulation in the body,” said Dr Sidharth Sahni, senior consultant, breast surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo hospital.
This therapy is in vogue in Europe since 1970 and has been finally approved by US FDA last year. The therapy which works in all type of cancer has shown some magical results in patients of breast cancer in California.
The overall installation cost of the machine is around Rs 30-40 lakhs. One machine can be used for four patients at a time.
While the private sector is all excited to install and use the new technology, the government sector has its own doubts.
“The only problem with the technology is the cost. This is one of the options for those who can afford it but not for common man,” said a senior doctor from a Delhi government hospital.
Apart from this, there are few steps that can be adopted to avoid loss of hair during chemotheraphy such as a balanced diet, avoiding stress, plenty of water intake, regular eating in small portions, avoiding oily food and
intake of Vitamin B and E.
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 "Cooling caps")
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