Keeping a cool head during chemotherapy reduces hair loss
11 Nov 2010
Huddersfield company Paxman Ltd is exhibiting its
next-generation hair-loss prevention systems, Orbis I & II, at
MEDICA in Dusseldorf this month.
Losing hair during chemotherapy is a devastating effect of cancer
treatment and serves as a constant reminder to the life-threatening
disease, but Paxman’s cooling systems reduce the risk of hair loss.
Retaining hair minimises patient distress, improves self confidence
and enables patients to retain their dignity. About 70-90% of
patients who use the system not requiring a wig.
Cooling the scalp during chemotherapy means that less of the
chemotherapy drug reaches the hair follicles so the hair is less
likely to fall out, reducing distress for the patient at an already
traumatic time and enabling them to have the confidence to live an
unrestricted life.
Former patient, Debbie Wolfe, said: “My illness would have been 100%
more difficult for me if I had not used the system. I wouldn't
have felt confident enough to go out as much and my life would have
taken longer to get back to normal.”
Made from lightweight, silicone tubing, the scalp cooling cap
itself is soft and flexible — providing a snug yet comfortable cap
during treatment.
Moulding to all head shapes and sizes, liquid coolant passes
through the cap extracting heat from the patient's scalp, ensuring
the scalp remains at an even, constant temperature; minimising hair
loss.
The caps are worn 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy,
during the treatment itself and for a period of time after infusion
of the chemotherapy depending on the toxicity of the drugs.
With straightforward programming and controls, including
recommended cooling time guides, the new compact system is
uncomplicated and easy to understand for both medical staff and
patients.
 |
A Paxman scalp-cooling machine is
delivered to the new cancer ward of Pinderfields Hospital in
Yorkshire. |
The Paxman system is available in two models. Orbis I provides
cooling for a single patient and is suitable for a small
chemotherapy suite or private bed, whilst the Orbis II provides
cooling for one or two patients simultaneously with each cap working
independently.
The systems are used all over the world and Paxman are travelling
to MEDICA this month to speak to current and potential distributors
from across the globe.
Richard Paxman, Operations Director, said: “Preserving self
esteem during chemotherapy leads to a more positive attitude to
treatment and gives patients a rare light in a dark time of their
lives. We’re passionate about providing help to patients around the
world and hope Medica will allow us to offer the solution to
thousands more patient’s worldwide.”
MEDICA is taking place between 17-20th November at the Messe
Düsseldorf, Germany. Paxman will be located in the UK Pavilion, hall
16 stand G10.