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Scalp cooling in the prevention of chemotherapyinduced alopecia of patients with cancer

https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2025-8-78-82

Abstract

Chemotherapy causes Chemotherapy-induced alopecia by early apoptosis of keratinocytes in the follicle. One of the most effective methods of combating cytotoxic alopecia is the cooling system of the scalp. The essence of the method is to use cooling materials at the time of chemotherapy to cause vasoconstriction on the scalp, which in turn leads to a decrease in blood flow and lymph flow in the follicle and causes a decrease in the concentration of the chemotherapy drug in the cooling area. The review presents current data on cryoprophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer. The success rate of the method was estimated for hair loss of less than 50%. The effectiveness of the method varies between 50–70%, but depends on the type and dose of the drug, the exposure time to scalp cooling, and the individual characteristics of the patient. The best treatment rates for anagenetic alopecia were in patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy. Among the adverse effects, patients noted cold sensations, dizziness, and soreness of the scalp and face. The advantages and disadvantages of the method were studied.

About the Authors

E. A. Shatochina
Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Department of the President of Russia; Medical Research and Education Institute of the Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation

Shatokhina Evgeniya A., DM Sci (habil.), associate professor at Dept of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology; dermatovenereologist at Clinical and Diagnostic Dept

Moscow



L.  A. Pototskaya
Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Department of the President of Russia
Russian Federation

Potockaya Lidiya A., 1st-year resident specializing in dermatovenereology

Moscow



A. N. Procenko
Clinical Medicine of N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation

Protsenko Aleksey N., PhD Med, associate professor at Dept of Dermatovenereology named after Academician Yu.K. Skripkin of Institute

Moscow



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Review

For citations:


Shatochina E.A., Pototskaya L.A., Procenko A.N. Scalp cooling in the prevention of chemotherapyinduced alopecia of patients with cancer. Medical alphabet. 2025;(8):78-82. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2025-8-78-82

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ISSN 2078-5631 (Print)
ISSN 2949-2807 (Online)