Scalp Cooling System Reduces Cancer Patients Hair Loss

A fourth-generation medical cooling device offers cancer patients the ability to minimize alopecia (hair loss) during chemotherapy treatments.

The Dignitana (Lund, Sweden) DigniCap Delta scalp cooling system is indicated for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced hair loss in patients with solid tumors. The system works by circulating liquid coolant through a flexible cooling wrap and an adjustable thermal cap that optimize scalp cooling outcomes. The cooling wrap is placed directly on the head to deliver consistent, controlled cooling to the scalp, while the outer thermal neoprene cap insulates and secures it tightly in place, with two built-in sensors continuously monitoring scalp temperature in order to maintain optimal cooling throughout.

Key system features include a quick-disconnect to accommodate bathroom breaks, an intuitive touch screen interface to simplify system operation, and flash memory that makes it possible to save data from each scalp cooling treatment and facilitates software upgrades. A built-in safety sensor ensures cooling temperature does not drop below freezing point. The cooling cap itself is available in multiple sizes to insure a personalized fit, and has a smooth inner surface to enable optimal contact between scalp and cap. Two independently controlled systems can be used for simultaneous treatment of two patients.

“DigniCap Delta changes everything about the way scalp cooling is done today. We are thrilled to offer patients and clinicians this state-of-the-art advancement in cancer care,” said William Cronin, CEO of Dignitana. “The clearance of Delta now provides a clear pathway for growth in the important US market and beyond. It is the biggest step yet in the evolution of Dignitana, and is the result of a tremendous effort from our staff, partner sites, regulatory team and contract manufacturer.”

As the temperature of the scalp is lowered, the subsequent blood vessel vasoconstriction reduces the amount of chemotherapy agents that reach it, as well as reducing uptake of drugs in the hair follicles due to decreased intra-follicular metabolic rate. The combined actions are thought to reduce the effect chemotherapy has on the cells, which may reduce hair loss.

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