Posted by Gary, on September 24th, 2007, under HAIR SCIENCE Trichology Institutes, TRICHOTALK by Gary Heron Trichologist
Hair loss, a side effect of some types of chemotherapy, is a very negative experience for some patients.
Scalp hypothermia (scalp cooling) is one approach used to prevent hair loss. The most common types of scalp hypothermia involve the use of either a pre-cooled cap or a cooling system that con-tinuously cools a cap. Cooling must be started approximately 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy and must continue for 30 to 90 minutes after the conclusion of treatment. The target group for scalp hypothermia is estimated to be at least 2 000 patients per year, ie, patients with metastatic cancer who receive the types of chemotherapy associated with a high risk for hair loss.
PRIMARY QUESTION:
This assessment is based on a systematic literature review. Does scalp hypothermia prevent, or reduce the extent of, hair loss from chemotherapy?
PATIENT BENEFIT:
Several studies, most of which included a very small number of patients, found that scalp hypothermia helped prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Several different types of chemotherapy, in various combinations, were studied. Different degrees of hypothermia were used, and different assessment criteria were applied. The percentage of patients in the study group who were able to keep their hair ranged from 10 percent to 100 percent, while the corresponding figures in the control group ranged between 0 percent and 19 percent. Apprehension about increased risk for scalp metastases has restricted the use of the method. This risk appears to be small, but the evidence is limited. Theoretically, the method could create a reservoir in the cooled scalp where circulating cancer cells might avoid the effects of chemotherapy. The magnitude of this risk is unknown since patients in the studies have not been followed up for a sufficient period to make this determination. Although the method causes some discomfort to the patient, most patients accept this in order to avoid hair loss.
ECONOMIC ASPECTS:
The costs for scalp hypothermia are comprised of equipment costs, particularly devices for continuous hypothermia, and costs related to additional working hours and longer treatment sessions. No studies were identified that addressed the cost effectiveness of the method.
SBU’s appraisal of the evidence
There is moderately strong scientific evidence that scalp hypothermia reduces the extent of hair loss when treating solid tumors with various non-taxane chemotherapies alone or in combination (Evidence Grade 2)*. There is limited scientific evidence showing that the method also reduces the extent of hair loss in taxane or taxane-based combination chemotherapy (Evidence Grade 3)*. There is no scientific documentation on the cost effectiveness of the method. Further studies of patient benefit, risks, and cost effectiveness are needed.
*Grading of the level of scientific evidence for conclusions.
The grading scale includes four levels;
Evidence grade 1 = strong scientific evidence,
Evidence grade 2 = moderately strong scientific evidence,
Evidence grade 3 = limited scientific evidence,
Evidence grade 4 = insufficient scientific evidence.
sbu alert – early assessment of new health technologies • www.sbu.se/alert
Direct link to Assessment Of New Health Technologies:
http://www.sbu.se/Filer/Content0/publikationer/3/SBU_Alert_Scalp_Cooling_to_Prevent_ChemotherapyInduced_Hair_Loss_200506.pdf
Posted by Gary, on September 20th, 2007, under FEMALE HAIR LOSS Trichologist Treatments, PHOTO FILES (from our London Trichology Clinic), TRICHOTALK by Gary Heron Trichologist
In today’s increasingly stressful world, the number of women suffering from hair loss is increasing. We all want to look our best and damage to a woman’s ‘crowning glory’ can be a uniquely upsetting affliction.
Hair loss in woman can generally be seen evenly across the scalp, without definite bald patches. If this is happening to you, the following conditions may be affecting you:
Diffuse hair loss is a gradual thinning of the hair as opposed to a straightforward bald patch and is the most common type of hair loss in women. The replacement of old hairs by new hairs is slowed down so that the hair becomes sparse and the scalp can be seen clearly through the hair. The causes can be numerous and include stress, restriction of the blood supply, a poor nervous system and hormonal influences.
Androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness) in women is often linked to hormonal changes with the hair loss following events such as the menopause, childbirth or as a result of stopping or starting oral contraceptive pills. The hair loss is generally more uniform over the scalp than in the male counterpart, but also results from a complex chemical reaction when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts the testosterone in the system into DHT or dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles are genetically predisposed to be over sensitive to the DHT and become smaller and smaller with time, leading to the eventual hair loss.
Why not call 0207 976 6868 and speak to one of our trichologist who will be happy to help and advise you.
Your initial consultation and assessment are free. So why not take advantage of our expertise and get the facts so that you can make an informed decision on what is best for the future of your hair today.
Take control of your hair loss so that it does not control your life.
However, not all cases are treatable. But with early diagnosis and treatment you will give yourself and us the best possible chance to help you.
Posted by Gary, on September 20th, 2007, under PHOTO FILES (from our London Trichology Clinic), PROPECIA (FINASTERIDE), TRICHOTALK by Gary Heron Trichologist
Propecia and Proscar are two forms of the same medicine, finasteride, but in two different dosages. They both block the conversion of testosterone into its active form, allowing hair growth.
February 2007
September 2007
We recommend the use of Biostim, in all cases for best results.
Link:
http://www.thewestminsterpractice.com/product_desc.asp?CurrentPage=2&typeID=3
Why not call 0207 976 6868 and speak to one of our trichologist who will be happy to help and advise you.
Your initial consultation and assessment are free. So why not take advantage of our expertise and get the facts so that you can make an informed decision on what is best for the future of your hair today.
Take control of your hair loss so that it does not control your life.
However, not all cases are treatable. But with early diagnosis and treatment you will give yourself and us the best possible chance to help you.
