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Efficacy of the DigniCap System in preventing chemotherapy‐induced alopecia in breast cancer patients is not related to patient characteristics or side effects of the device
Author(s) -
Pedersini Rebecca,
Fornaro Carla,
Mauro Pierluigi,
Bianchi Susanna,
Vassalli Lucia,
Amoroso Vito,
Gelmi Maria,
Ardine Mara,
Rodella Filippo,
Cosentini Deborah,
Dalla Volta Alberto,
Turla Antonella,
Pierini Michela,
Motta Paolo,
Conti Elisa,
Simoncini Edda Lucia,
Berruti Alfredo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of nursing practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1440-172X
pISSN - 1322-7114
DOI - 10.1111/ijn.12888
Subject(s) - medicine , hair loss , tolerability , scalp , breast cancer , regimen , chemotherapy , chemotherapy regimen , patient satisfaction , surgery , dermatology , cancer , adverse effect
Background The DigniCap System is an effective scalp cooling device for the prevention of chemotherapy‐induced alopecia in early breast cancer patients. Aim This prospective study was designed to confirm the efficacy and tolerability of the device, to explore potential factors associated with its efficacy and to collect data on patient perceptions and satisfaction. Methods Between January 2016 and June 2018, 163 early breast cancer patients eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled. Hair loss was assessed using the Dean scale, where a score of 0–2 (hair loss ≤50%) was defined as successful. Results Hair preservation was successful in 57% of patients in the overall series. The proportion was even higher (81%) in the patient subgroup treated with a paclitaxel and trastuzumab regimen. Side effects (feeling cold, headache, head heaviness, scalp and cervical pain) were mild to moderate and did not correlate with the rate of hair loss. Lifestyle, anthropometric factors and hair characteristics failed to be associated with device efficacy. Conclusions The DigniCap System was well tolerated and found to be effective in preventing alopecia in early breast cancer patients. Our study failed to identify factors other than type of chemotherapy regimen associated with hair preservation.