European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Observational Study
Impact of scalp cooling on chemotherapy-induced alopecia, wig use and hair growth of patients with cancer.
Cytotoxic therapy for patients with cancer frequently induces reversible, but long-lasting alopecia which might be prevented by scalp cooling. This study evaluates the effectiveness of scalp cooling with respect to the severity of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) and the purchase and use of wigs and head covers. ⋯ The relatively long duration of CIA, the wish of many patients to camouflage or rather prevent it and the 40% reduction for head covering by scalp cooling, makes it a worthwhile supportive intervention. However, (cost-) effectiveness can be improved. Many scalp-cooled patients purchased a wig unnecessarily.