Chemotherapy without hair loss? Cooling cap in works

(CBS News) Hair loss is one of the most visible effects of chemotherapy. But chemotherapy without losing one's hair may soon be possible. Scientists have developed a hood that cools the scalp during chemotherapy, reducing the circulation of blood - and, accordingly, the poisons from chemotherapy. As a result, hair roots survive.

The study is currently being carried out at the Jerusalem hospital in Hamburg, Germany.

Dr. Kay Friedrich of the hospital says, "It is an illusion that the whole hair can be preserved. About 10 to 30 percent of the hair gets lost. But the better the starting conditions are, full and strong hair, the less you see the loss of the hair."

What do patients think?

One says, "It's unpleasant, it does not feel good. But it serves a good purpose."

Click the above video to watch how the cap works.

[robert_riley]

Obviously docs know more than us, but my sister's chemo nurse and I had a conversation about a lady that brought one to chemo with a cooler full of ice. Her oncologist said don't do that unless you want brain mets. Just like putting ice in the mouth it stops the chemo from going there, which they said was ok, but didnt recommend me doing it on my burnt chemo hands and feet, so I didnt.. But I guess thats not proven yet? I dont think I would be willing to risk it.

Robert @ http://www.chemotherapyfacts.com

[Jenna1955]

If I get cancer, hair loss would be the least of my worries!!!

[tmittelstaed]

I was a cancer patient. I had 5 rounds of chemo. I lost about 50% of my hair. This rubber cap thing looks rediculous and would have driven me nuts. People who are on chemo have more important things to worry about.

[Coldilox]

We have this techonology in Canada. Cold Comfort Canada distributes scalp coolers. It is safe and it works great. They have been using Paxman Scalp Coolers in Britain for 15 years and scalp cooling in Europe for 40 years. It is about time that Cancer patients get a break.