Prevention of Persistent Alopecia Following Docetaxel by Means of Scalp Cooling

Pilot Trial of Prevention of Persistent Alopecia Following Docetaxel by Means of Scalp Cooling (ELASTO-GEL CAPS)in Breast Cancer Patients

Persistent alopecia following adjuvant docetaxel for breast cancer is a side-effect that has been recently described. This pilot trial explores the capacity of a cooling cap (Elasto-gel) to prevent persistent alopecia in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant docetaxel regimens.

Persistent alopecia following adjuvant docetaxel for breast cancer is a side-effect that has been recently described. Docetaxel is toxic to skin and skin annexes and can produce nail toxicity and persistent alopecia. Nail toxicity has been successfully prevented by means of hypothermic gloves and slippers (Elasto-gel, Southwest Technologies, Inc, North Kansas City, MO). This pilot trial explores the capacity of a cooling cap (Elasto-gel) to prevent persistent alopecia in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant docetaxel regimens.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18-75
• breast cancer stages II-III
• adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel regimens (TAC or anthracyclines followed by docetaxel 100 mg/m2 x 4)

Exclusion Criteria:

• contraindications for adjuvant docetaxel and or anthracyclines