Julie R. Nangia, MD, assistant professor of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, discusses some logistical factors that oncologists and health care providers should know regarding implementing a scalp cooling system.

In April 2017, the FDA approved the Paxman scalp cooling system to prevent chemotherapy-related hair loss, making it the second device of its kind to be approved to use in the United States. While the device offers many patients with cancer the relief of not losing their hair to treatment, there are also some important considerations for healthcare providers before implementing the system.

A practice change of any kind will require staff support, and scalp cooling systems are no different. Providers and their teams may need to assist in fitting patients for the caps or getting financial clearance. Also, doctors should note that a scalp cooling system will add to the infusion times, which may make scheduling for busier cancer center difficult.

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Julie R. Nangia, MD, assistant professor of medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, discusses some logistical factors that oncologists and health care providers should know regarding implementing a scalp cooling system.

Dr. Nangia Discusses the Logistics of Implementing a Scalp Cooling System

Julie R. Nangia, MD, assistant professor, Breast Center-Clinic, faculty senator, Baylor College of Medicine, discusses the results of the Scalp Cooling Alopecia Prevention trial (SCALP) for patients with early-stage breast cancer.

Researchers planned to evaluate 235 participants on the trial, randomized in a 2:1 ratio of scalp cooling with the Orbis Paxman Hair Loss Prevention System to control, Nangia explains. After 142 women were evaluable for the primary endpoint—which was hair retention after 4 cycles of chemotherapy&mdash;the study ended early due to the strong efficacy shown with the device. 

Results of a pre-planned interim analysis, which occurred after 95 patients received the device and 47 women were on the control arm, showed that 50% of those who received scalp cooling retained their hair, and 0% of patients on the control arm retained their hair. 

The overall message is that scalp cooling devices are safe and effective, she adds. Nangia hopes these devices will soon become available for patients worldwide.

Julie R. Nangia, MD

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Dr. Nangia Discusses the Logistics of Implementing a Scalp Cooling System

Dr. Nangia on the SCALP Trial for Early-Stage Breast Cancer