Novel Thermoelectric Scalp Cooling System for Mitigating Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a distressing side effect of cancer treatment, affecting approximately 65% of patients, particularly those undergoing taxane- or anthracycline-based therapies for breast and gynecological cancers. This condition significantly impacts patients’ psychological well-being, especially among women, leading to anxiety, diminished self-esteem, and reduced quality of life. While scalp cooling (SC) has proven effective in mitigating CIA, current technologies are hindered by high costs, limited accessibility, patient discomfort, and inconsistent results across chemotherapy regimens. Additionally, the need for external chillers, fluid circulation, and frequent cap replacements limits adoption, particularly in resource-limited settings. This proposal aims to develop and validate a next-generation scalp cooling device using solid-state thermoelectric cooling technology. Our fluid free and fully portable cap delivers precise, sustained cooling without external equipment, enhancing patient comfort and mobility. This breakthrough design expands access to infusion centers, at-home settings, and underserved communities, providing a more effective, affordable, and patient-friendly solution for CIA prevention. Through clinical validation, we aim to improve the quality of life for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, advancing equitable access to this transformative technology. Project Number: 1R43CA310238-01 | Fiscal Year: 2025 | NIH Institute/Center: National Cancer Institute (NCI) | Principal Investigator: Julie Lundstrom | Institution: RUSH RIVER RESEARCH CORPORATION, ELLSWORTH, WI | Award Amount: $305,040 | Activity Code: R43 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 ISB-S (11)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11314435