Hair loss is not inevitable
Hair loss is a well-documented side effect of many chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy induced hair loss can be significantly reduced in most cases. The DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System offers you the possibility to keep all or most of your hair while receiving certain chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. For over a decade DigniCap has successfully helped thousands of patients outside the United States. Now, with FDA Clearance, we are proud to offer DigniCap as a treatment option for our patients.
Scalp Cooling – How it works
Some chemotherapy drugs can damage your hair cells. Cooling of the scalp is a proven approach to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss that has been used successfully by tens of thousands of patients worldwide.
The reduced temperature results in a reduced blood flow to the scalp area so that less chemotherapy reaches the hair cells. Hair cells are therefore not exposed to the full dose of chemotherapy and may be able to survive the chemotherapy treatment. In addition, cellular metabolism within the hair cells is slowed down. As a result, hair is less likely to fall out.
What is DigniCap®?
The DigniCap® scalp cooling system consists of a snug-fitting silicone cooling cap connected to a cooling and control unit which circulates coolant through channels in the cap. Sensors in the cap monitor temperature on the scalp allowing the system to automatically regulate cooling temperature throughout the treatment. To make this process more comfortable, the cooling cap is at room temperature when placed on the head and the treatment temperature is gradually achieved over a short period of time. A separate safety sensor in the cap ensures that the scalp temperature always remains above 32°F/0°C. To ensure optimal treatment temperature, an outer insulating cap of neoprene is applied over the silicone cap.
Who can use DigniCap?
The DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System is indicated to reduce the likelihood of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in women with breast cancer. Please note that scalp cooling is effective with most breast cancer chemotherapy drugs, but not all. Your clinician can tell you if scalp cooling is compatible with your treatment.
Clinical Research Summary
In the pivotal trial it was concluded that the scalp cooling system, DigniCap,® prevented hair loss in 66.3% of patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy compared to control where all experienced significant hair loss. Treatment was well tolerated; no scalp metastases has been observed. The DigniCap® scalp cooling system was found to be highly effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
The DigniCap® scalp cooling system was studied in women with breast cancer at some of the most prestigious medical centers in the nation. The DigniCap® scalp cooling system was cleared for use in the United States by the FDA on 12/8/2015 for female breast cancer patients being treated with chemotherapy. It is the only scalp cooling system to receive FDA clearance.
Where do I learn more?
For more information click here to download the booklet SCALP COOLING WITH the DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System
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