Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care Now Offering Scalp Cooling Treatment to Help Prevent Hair Loss Due to Chemotherapy
RIDGEWOOD, NJ, January 16, 2023 – Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care is now offering the Paxman Scalp Cooling System, which helps prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy for patients diagnosed with malignant solid tumors.
Scalp cooling is a simple, non-invasive process that reduces the temperature of the scalp to between 68- and 72- degrees Fahrenheit. The Paxman System consists of a compact refrigeration system unit with coolant that is circulated through specifically designed single-patient-use cooling caps. By cooling the scalp, blood flow to the area is reduced and less blood containing the chemotherapy agents reaches the hair follicles. The cooling also causes the cells in the hair follicles to become dormant, preventing the cells from rapidly dividing, and subsequently being less affected by chemotherapy and limiting hair loss.
“Hair loss is one of the most traumatic aspects of receiving chemotherapy, and the ability to potentially prevent hair loss can be incredibly helpful for patients,” said medical oncologist Eleonora Teplinsky, MD, Head of Breast Medical Oncology, Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care. “Overall, it has the potential to make the experience less traumatic.”
“Our team adopted the Paxman Scalp Cooling System to ensure that our patients have every opportunity available to them during their cancer care,” said Amanda Podolski, MD, a Valley oncologist.
Scalp cooling is more effective in certain chemotherapy regimens than others. It is important to speak to your healthcare provider prior to deciding whether to proceed with scalp cooling and to see if this is something that would be appropriate for you during your treatment.
For more information about scalp cooling at Valley, please visit ValleyHealth.com/ScalpCooling.