What Is Paxman™ Scalp Cooling Treatment?
Scalp cooling treatment is a revolutionary therapy that helps some cancer patients keep their hair during chemotherapy. The Paxman™ Scalp Cooling System uses heat extraction technology to lower the temperature of the scalp before, during and after chemotherapy treatment to help prevent or minimize hair loss.
The Paxman Scalp Cooling System reduces the risk of hair loss during chemotherapy for some patients with cancer. Loyola Medicine is currently the only healthcare provider in Illinois currently offering this scalp cooling technology.
Not all patients are candidates for scalp cooling. Scalp cooling is not recommended for pediatric patients, patients with cancers of the head and neck, CNS malignancies, scalp metastases and some skin cancers. Talk to your Loyola doctor to see if scalp cooling is right for you.
Why Choose Loyola for Cancer Care?
Loyola’s nationally recognized staff of cancer specialists within the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center gives you access to an experienced team of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and cancer nurses.
Oncology pharmacists also work closely with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safe and effective delivery of life-saving chemotherapy and supportive care therapies.
What to Expect from the Paxman™ Scalp Cooling Treatment
The Paxman™ Scalp Cooling System contains a flexible silicone cooling cap with a neoprene cover connected to a compact refrigeration unit. During treatment, coolant is circulated through the system to the cap to keep the scalp cool and at a constant temperature.
You will receive your own Paxman personal cap kit. Your healthcare team will help you properly fit the Paxman Cold Cap to your head, which is worn 30 minutes pre-infusion, during chemotherapy infusion and for a maximum of 90 minutes after infusion.
You may feel discomfort or pain in the first few minutes of treatment, but deep breathing and warm clothing can help you relax and tolerate the treatment.
Side Effects of Paxman™ Scalp Cooling Treatment
Scalp cooling is usually tolerated well by the majority of patients who undergo this therapy. Some common side effects (lasting only the duration of treatment) include:
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Cold-related discomfort
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Dizziness
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Headache
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Itching
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Nausea
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Sinus pain
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Skin tissue disorders
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Skin ulceration
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Tickling or numb sensation on the skin
The incidence of scalp metastases (cancerous tissue in the scalp) is about the same in patients who receive scalp cooling as those who don't.
Scalp cooling may not prevent hair loss. Success depends on the chemotherapy regimen administered and varies from patient to patient. Talk to your doctor to determine if scalp cooling may be beneficial for your specific chemotherapy treatment schedule.
