Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
06:41
A New Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Hair Loss in Mice Using Grayscale Analysis
Published on: March 9, 2015
[Scalp cooling for chemotherapy-induced alopecia]
Marion M C Komen1, Carolien H Smorenburg, Corina J G van den Hurk
1Medisch Centrum Alkmaar, afd. Oncologie, Alkmaar, the Netherlands. manon.komen@mca.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|November 17, 2011
Summary
Scalp cooling can prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia, a distressing side effect. This method is generally well-tolerated, with few reported side effects, and does not increase the risk of scalp metastases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Context:
- Alopecia is a common and distressing side effect of cytostatic (chemotherapy) therapy.
- Scalp cooling is utilized in 59 Dutch hospitals to mitigate chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
- Factors influencing scalp cooling efficacy include chemotherapy type, dose, and duration.
Purpose:
- To establish a national guideline for managing chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
- To standardize the use of scalp cooling in medical oncology.
Summary:
- Scalp cooling is a well-tolerated intervention for preventing hair loss during chemotherapy.
- Reported side effects are generally mild, including headache and coldness.
- No increased risk of scalp metastases has been observed with scalp cooling.
Impact:
- A national guideline will improve consistency in alopecia prevention strategies.
- Enhanced patient quality of life by reducing a significant treatment side effect.
- Provides evidence-based recommendations for oncologists and healthcare providers.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy. SP binds and activates these...
01:27Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
01:29Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Dopamine receptor antagonists, also known as antipsychotic agents, are critical in managing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. These antiemetic agents block dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), inhibiting signal transmission to the vomiting center. Antipsychotic agents encompass phenothiazines (PTZ), butyrophenones, benzamides, and thienobenzodiazepines (Zyprexa), which are utilized for their antiemetic and sedative properties.
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
01:22Methods of reducing fever
The signs and symptoms of fever include hot and dry skin, flushed face, thirst, muscle aches, anorexia, headache, tachycardia, tachypnea, and fatigue. Elevated body temperature is reduced using two methods: pharmacological and nonpharmacological. Proper identification and treatment of the root cause of a fever is of utmost importance.
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever: