Effectiveness of Scalp-cooling Therapy for Preventing Chemotherapy-induced Alopecia in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study Focusing on Scalp, Eyebrow, and Eyelash Hair Loss.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a significant concern for patients with breast cancer (BC). Although scalp-cooling therapy has shown efficacy in reducing scalp hair loss, its effects on eyebrow and eyelash preservation have been unclear.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study of 154 patients with BC who received perioperative chemotherapy from 2016 to 2024. Seventeen of these patients underwent scalp cooling using the Paxman Scalp Cooling System (Paxman, Houston, TX, USA). Patient-reported outcomes were assessed via questionnaires evaluating the degree of hair loss at the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.

RESULTS

Scalp cooling significantly reduced the incidence of severe hair loss (score 4-5) at the scalp (p<0.001). Although the differences in eyebrow and eyelash hair loss were not significant (p=0.095 and p=0.199, respectively), a trend toward reduced severe alopecia was observed. No protective effect was observed for body hair (p=0.446).

CONCLUSION

Scalp-cooling therapy is effective for preventing severe scalp hair loss and may offer partial protection against eyebrow and eyelash alopecia. These findings support its broader application in BC care to enhance patients' quality of life.