Use of scalp cooling device to prevent alopecia for early breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A prospective study

• DOI: 10.1111/tbj.13711
• Publication Date: 2019-12-14T08:19:20Z
• Authors: Tommaso Giarratano; Simona Frezzini; Monica Zanocco; Carlo Alberto Giorgi; Eleonora Mioranza; Federica Miglietta; Gaia Griguolo; Cristina Falci; Giovanni Faggioni; Giulia Tasca; Elisabetta Di Liso; Grazia Vernaci; Alice Menichetti; Mara Mantiero; Daniela Grosso; Valentina Guarneri; Maria Vittoria Dieci
• Keywords: Tolerability; Epirubicin

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) affects the majority of patients receiving chemotherapy (CT) for early breast cancer. It is a highly distressing side effect CT, with psychological and social impact. Primary aim present analysis was to assess efficacy scalp cooling DigniCap® in preventing CIA. Success rate defined as patients' self-reported hair loss <50% according Dean scale. In this analysis, we reported success at 3 weeks after first CT course last course. Secondary endpoints included tolerability judgment on performance. Consecutive cancer admitted Istituto Oncologico Veneto who were recommended receive neoadjuvant or adjuvant eligible undergo during administration within study. 135 included: 74% received 26% (P < .001). The type was: docetaxel-cyclophosphamide (26%), paclitaxel (23%), epirubicin-cyclophosphamide followed by (32%), epirubicincyclophosphamide (19%). 77% (104/135) from start 60% (81/135) end treatment. Higher rates non-anthracycline (71%) compared anthracycline-containing regimens (54%; P 0.001). Premature discontinuation 29/135 (21.5%), including withdrawal (16/29), low (8/29) both (5/29). Scalp generally well tolerated. These results overall suggest that use effective especially undergoing taxane-based regimen.