Keeping a cool head during chemotherapy reduces hair loss

11 Nov 2010

Huddersfield company Paxman Ltd is exhibiting its next-generation hair-loss prevention systems, Orbis I & II,  at MEDICA in Dusseldorf this month.

Losing hair during chemotherapy is a devastating effect of cancer treatment and serves as a constant reminder to the life-threatening disease, but Paxman’s cooling systems reduce the risk of hair loss.

Retaining hair minimises patient distress, improves self confidence and enables patients to retain their dignity. About 70-90% of patients who use the system not requiring a wig.

Cooling the scalp during chemotherapy means that less of the chemotherapy drug reaches the hair follicles so the hair is less likely to fall out, reducing distress for the patient at an already traumatic time and enabling them to have the confidence to live an unrestricted life.

Former patient, Debbie Wolfe, said: “My illness would have been 100% more difficult for me if I had not used the system.  I wouldn't have felt confident enough to go out as much and my life would have taken longer to get back to normal.”

Made from lightweight, silicone tubing, the scalp cooling cap itself is soft and flexible — providing a snug yet comfortable cap during treatment.

Moulding to all head shapes and sizes, liquid coolant passes through the cap extracting heat from the patient's scalp, ensuring the scalp remains at an even, constant temperature; minimising hair loss.

The caps are worn 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy, during the treatment itself and for a period of time after infusion of the chemotherapy depending on the toxicity of the drugs.

With straightforward programming and controls, including recommended cooling time guides, the new compact system is uncomplicated and easy to understand for both medical staff and patients.

A Paxman scalp-cooling machine is delivered to the new cancer ward of Pinderfields Hospital in Yorkshire.

The Paxman system is available in two models. Orbis I provides cooling for a single patient and is suitable for a small chemotherapy suite or private bed, whilst the Orbis II provides cooling for one or two patients simultaneously with each cap working independently.

The systems are used all over the world and Paxman are travelling to MEDICA this month to speak to current and potential distributors from across the globe.

Richard Paxman, Operations Director, said: “Preserving self esteem during chemotherapy leads to a more positive attitude to treatment and gives patients a rare light in a dark time of their lives. We’re passionate about providing help to patients around the world and hope Medica will allow us to offer the solution to thousands more patient’s worldwide.”

MEDICA is taking place between 17-20th November at the Messe Düsseldorf, Germany. Paxman will be located in the UK Pavilion, hall 16 stand G10.