First Australian Study of Scalp Cooling with the Dignitana Dignicap™ for Prevention of Alopecia induced by Docetaxel/Cyclophosphamide Chemotherapy in Women with Early Breast Cancer — ASN Events

First Australian Study of Scalp Cooling with the Dignitana Dignicap™ for Prevention of Alopecia induced by Docetaxel/Cyclophosphamide Chemotherapy in Women with Early Breast Cancer (#270)

Fran Boyle 1 , Paula Mottlee 1 , Candy Lopez 1 , Kerrie Andrews 1
  1. Mater Hospital, North Sydney, NSW, Australia

Chemotherapy induced alopecia (CIA) is a significant source of distress in women with early breast cancer and may be a reason women decline potentially life saving therapy. Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide (TC) chemotherapy is widely used as adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer and induces complete but usually reversible alopecia in all patients. Scalp cooling may ameliorate CIA and the Dignitana Dignicap ™ offers greater ease of application than devices previously available in Australia. We undertook a prospective audit of efficacy in the first 6 months of utilisation at the Mater Hospital North Sydney. 25 women received standard doses of TC chemotherapy over 2 hours for 4 cycles. Scalp cooling began 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy and continued for 90 minutes post infusion. Discontinuation for discomfort or dissatisfaction was recorded. Hair loss was assessed by nursing staff according to Deans alopecia grade (≤2 being regarded as successful) and whether women wore a wig. 3 patients discontinued for discomfort (1 x ear pain) or lack of efficacy (2). 14 women (56%) had grade 2 hair loss and did not require a wig. 11 women (44%) had grade 3 hair loss and many were able to disguise loss on the crown with a hat. Only 5 required a wig (20%). Women and nursing staff noted additional concerns around hair care and duration of chair time, as well as scheduling challenges. This study confirms feasibility of scalp cooling in the Australian context with the Dignicap. Further research is underway to develop more sensitive tools to evaluate impacts on quality of life and service delivery, and pharmacokinetic/genetic influences on efficacy. This work was funded by The Friends of the Mater Foundation.