Chemotherapy may destroy your cancer, but it doesn’t have to destroy your hair.
AO Multispecialty Clinic is now offering a new state-of-the-art piece of technology to our patients to reduce the likelihood of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in cancer patients with solid tumors. The DigniCap Scalp Cooling System has proven to safely and effectively minimize hair loss from chemotherapy. In the U.S. pivotal trial, 66.3% of patients with breast cancer kept at least 50% of their hair, compared to a control group where all patients experienced significant hair loss. Treatment success is measured by a patient not feeling the need to wear a head covering such as a wig, scarf or hat.
With DigniCap, hair loss is no longer inevitable.
The DigniCap has been used in the United States since receiving its FDA clearance in 2015 and has been widely utilized outside of America. The DigniCap was originally introduced to treat women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, but in July 2017, the FDA expanded the clinical indications for DigniCap to include men and women with solid tumor cancers. DigniCap was the first scalp cooling system to receive this expanded clearance.
Minimize hair loss. Safe, effective & FDA-cleared.
Hair loss is considered to be one of the most troublesome side effects of chemotherapy. It is estimated that 10-15% of patients decline prescribed chemotherapy for fear of losing their hair. Hair loss is a common side effect of many chemotherapy drugs. Some of these drugs work to eliminate cancer cells and may also affect the whole body. Rapidly growing cells, such hair follicles, are often affected by chemotherapy, which leads to hair loss.
The DigniCap is a proven approach to reduce chemotherapy induced hair loss, helping patients to maintain privacy, self-esteem and control throughout a critical period of treatment.
The DigniCap Scalp Cooling System minimizes hair loss from certain chemotherapy treatments for men and women with solid tumor cancers, such as those associated with breast, prostate, ovarian, uterine and other tissues.
“DigniCap allowed me to go about my life with no one knowing that I was sick or going through chemotherapy treatment. It gave me control over something in a situation where you feel like your life is spinning out of control. My mental health was preserved because I was able to keep my hair.” – Heather Brown, North Carolina Founder, Hope for Hair Foundation
The DigniCap is FDA-Cleared, NOT approved
What’s the difference between FDA clearance and approval? There is a difference between FDA “clearance” and FDA “approval.” For low-risk medical devices like the DigniCap system,
the correct terminology is “FDA cleared.”
What is scalp cooling?
Scalp cooling is a proven way to reduce hair loss from chemotherapy that has been used successfully by thousands of patients worldwide for several decades. In this treatment, the scalp is cooled while chemotherapy is administered.
How does scalp cooling work & help?
- Reduced blood flow
- Vasoconstriction in the scalp area limits the amount of chemotherapy agent delivered to the hair follicles.
- Reduced metabolism
- Lower scalp temperature decreases the reaction rate causing normal cellular activity in the localized scalp area to slow dramatically.
With these two reactions, the follicles absorb fewer chemotherapy agents and hair loss is significantly reduced.
Patients who choose to use scalp cooling typically do so for reasons related to protecting privacy, preserving dignity, supporting self-esteem and maintaining control over some aspect of their treatment. However, in the U.S., scalp cooling is not yet universally covered by insurance, but some patients are receiving reimbursement at varying levels. Updates regarding DigniCap and insurance coverage is posted at www.dignicap.com/insurance.
What should I expect if I use the DigniCap?
The DigniCap Scalp Cooling System consists of a snug-fitting cooling cap connected to a cooling and control unit which circulates coolant through channels located in the DigniCap. An outer cap is also worn to insulate the cool temperatures and ensure a snug, custom fit.
The cap is worn during the chemotherapy infusion and for a period of time afterwards. (Typically 90-180 minutes depending on drug and dose.)
Why is scalp cooling important?
A patient’s hair can be a major part of her identity. For many, it is an unwelcome reminder of disease that can negatively affect self-image, confidence, overall sense of well-being and a patient’s attitude towards treatment. With the DigniCap now available at AO Multispecialty Clinic, you have the opportunity to take action to manage hair loss during chemotherapy.
“After four rounds of AC (Adriamycin/Cytoxan) and 12 rounds rounds of Pacliitaxel in 135 days, I’ve finished chemo and saved my hair with DigniCap.” – Monika Dockendorf, Washington DC
Maintain your privacy, self-esteem and control throughout chemotherapy treatment with DigniCap at AO Multispecialty Clinic. Call or visit our website to learn more today.
