Breakthrough Technique May Help Cancer Patients Retain Hair During Chemotherapy

In a significant advancement for cancer treatment, researchers at Sheffield Hallam University have unveiled a groundbreaking technique that may aid patients in preserving their hair during chemotherapy. This innovative method combines scalp cooling—a process where cold caps are worn to minimize hair loss—with topical antioxidants, demonstrating promising results in protecting hair follicles from chemotherapy-induced damage. The study, published in the *Frontiers of Pharmacology* on July 10, 2025, identifies 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 degrees Fahrenheit) as the optimal temperature for scalp cooling, suggesting that this specific temperature significantly reduces follicle damage compared to higher temperatures.

The conventional use of cold caps during chemotherapy involves cooling the scalp to reduce blood flow, thereby limiting the amount of medication that reaches the hair follicles. Dr. Nik Georgopoulos, an associate professor of cell biology at Sheffield Hallam and a lead researcher on the study, explained the method's efficacy, stating, "Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which include both cancerous and healthy cells like those in hair follicles. Cooling the scalp effectively protects these follicles from the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs."

This innovative approach, which Dr. Georgopoulos describes as a "powerful double weapon," is enhanced by the application of topical antioxidants, such as resveratrol—found in red grapes—and N-Acetylcysteine. These substances are believed to augment the protective effects of cooling on hair follicles, ensuring they remain undamaged during treatment.

The research involved isolating hair follicles from the scalp and culturing them in a laboratory setting before exposing them to chemotherapy agents. The outcomes were compelling; without cooling, the follicles exhibited significant cell death caused by the toxicity of the drugs. However, when subjected to the optimal cooling temperature, the follicles showed remarkable resilience, with many cells surviving the treatment. Dr. Georgopoulos noted, "This study confirms that the right temperature can effectively halt the toxicity of chemotherapy on hair follicles, providing a viable solution for patients concerned about hair loss."

The findings represent a crucial development in the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing treatment. Hair loss is often a distressing side effect of chemotherapy, contributing to psychological distress and diminished self-esteem. By incorporating scalp cooling and antioxidants into treatment protocols, healthcare providers may offer patients a more holistic approach to managing the side effects of cancer therapies.

Paxman Scalp Cooling, a Huddersfield-based company specializing in scalp cooling devices, has collaborated with Dr. Georgopoulos to further develop this technique. Their device circulates coolant through a specialized cap worn by patients for 30 minutes before chemotherapy, during treatment, and for up to 90 minutes afterward. As researchers finalize the specific antioxidants to be utilized, they anticipate initiating clinical trials to validate this combined approach in real-world settings.

Overall, this research underscores a pivotal shift in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of not only combating the disease but also preserving the dignity and well-being of patients. As the medical community continues to explore innovative solutions, the collaborative efforts between academia and industry promise to enhance the future landscape of cancer treatment, potentially transforming the patient experience during one of the most challenging journeys of their lives.