Scalp Cooling Therapy

If you're facing cancer at OSF HealthCare Cancer Institutes or at one of our cancer centers throughout the ministry, you now have the option to benefit from scalp cooling therapy. This method, also known as "cold capping therapy," can help reduce hair loss during your chemotherapy treatments.

For many people, preserving hair during chemotherapy can significantly improve their psychological well-being and reduce the visible effects of treatment. Keeping hair during treatment can boost self-esteem and help people feel more like themselves, which can be particularly important during a difficult time. It can help people feel more in control and be better able to cope with the emotional impact of their diagnosis.

What is scalp cooling therapy?

Scalp cooling therapy is a treatment used during chemotherapy to prevent hair loss. It involves wearing a special cap that circulates cold liquid, maintaining a steady temperature that cools the scalp. The cooling effect reduces blood flow to the hair follicles and limits the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach them. This helps protect the hair follicles from the damaging effects of chemotherapy and can also promote faster hair regrowth after treatment ends.

Who can benefit from scalp cooling therapy?

Scalp cooling therapy is available to anyone taking certain chemotherapy drugs that might cause hair loss as a side effect.

What to Expect

The therapy begins 30 minutes before your chemotherapy treatment and works during it and for up to three hours following the completion of your infusion, depending on your treatment regimen. We start by measuring your head to make sure you have the right size. Your head will feel cool during treatment.

How does scalp cooling therapy work?

Scalp cooling therapy lowers your scalp temperature to 65°F before, during and after chemotherapy. The cold helps reduce the amount of chemotherapy drugs absorbed by hair follicles, helping preserve your hair.

How does scalp cooling therapy help me?

Scalp cooling therapy gives you the option to decide whether or not to keep your hair during chemotherapy.

How effective is scalp cooling therapy?

Research shows that scalp cooling therapy effectively reduces chemotherapy-induced hair loss (CIA), with success rates ranging from 50% to 70%, depending on the chemotherapy drug used. Your hair might become thinner, but our goal is to preserve enough so you can still look and feel like yourself.

Interested in scalp cooling therapy?

You can take advantage of scalp cooling therapy at the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria and select cancer center locations listed below. This simple, non-invasive option can make a big difference in how you feel during your journey.

Scalp cooling therapy is offered thanks to the generosity of Patricia and her husband, Anthony Cutilletta, MD, who made this gift after Patricia experienced the benefits of scalp cooling during her own cancer treatment. Join them in supporting others on their healing journey.