Latest news with #Paxman
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First Post
11-07-2025
- Health
- First Post
How a new 'milestone' technique could help chemo patients from losing their hair
Scientists at Sheffield Hallam University say they have developed a 'powerful double weapon' against hair loss caused by chemotherapy in cancer patients. Researchers say the treatment combines scalp cooling caps with an antioxidant-rich lotion, which has ingredients like those found in red grapes read more Developed by researchers at Sheffield Hallam University, the new method builds on existing scalp cooling technology by adding a topical antioxidant lotion to the mix. Image courtesy: Paxman Scalp Cooling For many cancer patients, hair loss during chemotherapy is one of the most emotionally difficult parts of treatment. For most patients, maintaining their hair is not just about vanity –it's about holding on to a part of themselves—their identity, confidence, and a sense of control in the middle of something so uncertain. That's why scalp cooling caps, also known as cold caps, have become increasingly common in cancer wards. Now, scientists believe they may have found something even better. A new approach, described as a 'powerful double weapon', combines scalp cooling with an antioxidant-rich lotion, using ingredients like those found in red grapes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, how does it work? Here's what we know. Why does chemotherapy cause hair loss? Hair loss during chemotherapy isn't just a side effect, it's often what makes the experience of cancer visible. Dr Nik Georgopoulos, associate professor of cell biology and a Transforming Lives fellow at Sheffield Hallam University, calls it the 'face of cancer.' 'The reason why people get hair loss is because, at the base of the hair follicles, there are these rapidly dividing cells that are actually feeling the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs,' he explained. 'Chemotherapy drugs are drugs that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, but they cannot discriminate between cancer cells and rapidly dividing normal cells in the body,' he added. 'At the base of our hair follicles are these rapidly dividing cells, or keratinocytes, that constantly grow and they end up forming the actual hair.' Because of this, many patients begin to notice thinning or shedding within just a few weeks of starting treatment. Chemotherapy drugs are drugs that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, but they cannot discriminate between cancer cells and rapidly dividing normal cells in the body. Image for Representation. One of the existing solutions to help reduce this is the scalp cooling cap. These cold caps lower the temperature of the scalp during chemo sessions, narrowing blood vessels and reducing the amount of toxic medication that reaches the follicles. This slows down the activity of hair-producing cells, giving them a better chance of surviving treatment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Though cold caps have helped many patients preserve some of their hair, they're not equally effective for everyone. Results can vary depending on the chemotherapy drugs used, how long the cooling is applied, and even differences in scalp shape or hair thickness. What does the new treatment do differently? Developed by researchers at Sheffield Hallam University, the new method builds on existing scalp cooling technology by adding a topical antioxidant lotion to the mix. The lotion contains compounds like resveratrol and N-acetyl cysteine, both known for their antioxidant properties. Interestingly, resveratrol is also found in red grapes and has long been studied for its potential health benefits. In their study, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, scientists isolated hair follicles from the scalp and grew them in lab conditions. They were then treated with chemotherapy drugs to mimic real-world effects. Dr Nik Georgopoulos, who led the research, explained why the added lotion could make a difference. 'For some patients, cooling works, and for others it doesn't,' he said. 'Because some heads—I call them stubborn—they don't cool enough.' By adding the antioxidant lotion during the cooling process, the team saw promising results in the lab. 'We form a powerful double weapon that, based on our results in the lab, showed us it can transform the ability of cooling to protect,' Georgopoulos said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, he clarified that the lotion on its own wouldn't be enough. 'The antioxidant is not 'powerful enough' when used alone,' he said. 'The reason for that is cooling does multiple amazing things at the same time.' The research found that cooling the scalp to 18 degrees Celsius helps prevent hair follicle damage, while milder cooling—around 26 degrees Celsius—wasn't as effective. Combining the right temperature with the antioxidant blend improved follicle protection significantly. The team also collaborated with Paxman Scalp Cooling, a company that produces cooling caps for chemotherapy patients. These caps circulate coolant through a fitted cap, worn by patients starting 30 minutes before chemo, during treatment, and for up to 90 minutes afterwards. Scientists are now finalising which antioxidants to use in the topical product for future testing. Georgopoulos believes this combination could not only enhance hair preservation during treatment but also speed up hair regrowth afterwards. 'Our ongoing work will ensure that efficacy is as high as possible,' he said, 'with the belief that a topical agent will not only dramatically enhance the efficacy of scalp cooling, but also significantly accelerates hair recovery post chemotherapy.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The helmet that can stop chemotherapy patients from losing their hair
Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking approach, described as a "powerful double weapon", to combat Hair loss in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The innovative method combines established scalp cooling with a novel lotion rich in antioxidants, similar to those found in red grapes. Research at Sheffield Hallam University identified 18C as the optimal scalp cooling temperature for preventing Hair follicle damage, noting that 26C offers insufficient protection. The study demonstrated that integrating topical antioxidants significantly enhances the protective effect of cooling, offering a solution for patients who may not fully respond to cooling alone. The team, led by Dr Nik Georgopoulos, hopes to trial this combined technique with cancer patients using the Paxman device, aiming to improve protection and accelerate Hair recovery.
Evening Standard
09-07-2025
- Health
- Evening Standard
New technique hailed as ‘powerful double weapon' against chemo hair loss
Scientists at Sheffield Hallam University have developed a new technique which they describe as a 'powerful double weapon' to prevent cancer patients losing their hair during chemotherapy. Using the Paxman scalp cooling device, researchers have highlighted the optimal temperature for cooling to prevent damage from the cancer drugs. They have also developed a topical product comprising antioxidants that can be applied alongside the cap and could prevent hair loss. Paxman Scalp Cooling
Hamilton Spectator
08-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
‘More upset about the prospect of losing my hair than I was of dying': Treatment to avoid hair loss during chemotherapy not offered in Hamilton
Adina Isenberg did not want to look like a cancer patient. She was 40 years old and a mom to two young sons when the Toronto woman underwent chemotherapy in 2017 after being diagnosed with breast cancer. 'The ability to hide the fact that I was going through breast cancer treatment at a young age and have the control as to who I revealed it to meant everything to me,' Isenberg said. 'I didn't look sick, and it made all the difference.' Key to Isenberg's healthy appearance was keeping her long, straight brown hair during chemotherapy treatments. 'I genuinely was more upset about the prospect of losing my hair than I was of dying,' she said. 'I think it's too difficult, especially as a younger person, to think about death, but hair falling out is like a physical manifestation. It's proof that something is wrong, so it makes it real.' Isenberg was able to avoid the common side effect of chemotherapy-induced hair loss because scalp cooling treatment was available at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital, where she was a patient. The technology by Paxman limits the damage to hair follicles caused by chemotherapy drugs, minimizing hair loss and increasing regrowth. 'It helped me to keep my dignity,' Isenberg said. 'I felt physically better because I looked better.' But Isenberg wouldn't have received the same treatment that saved her hair if she'd been a patient in Hamilton instead of Toronto. Juravinski Cancer Centre doesn't offer the Paxman Scalp Cooling System, which is one reason why Isenberg is telling her story. Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) declined an interview request about why the treatment is available in Ottawa, Markham, Windsor and at multiple sites in Toronto but not here despite Juravinski being a regional centre that serves a population of 2.3 million in central-west Ontario. 'Our team is aware of this treatment and will be exploring it,' the hospital network said in a statement. 'Our aim is to provide every patient with the most appropriate and effective care possible.' Adina Isenberg said scalp cooling treatment helped her keep her hair during breast cancer treatment. The scalp cooling treatment available in Hamilton is a do-it-yourself system that requires the patient to bring a cooler of frozen gel caps, source dry ice and continually change the caps every 20 minutes themselves, continuing in transit after leaving the appointment and at home. In contrast, the Paxman system is a refrigeration unit at the hospital that contains coolant circulated through specially designed caps. All the equipment is included, the treatment is overseen by a trained professional and it's done on site. Isenberg compares it to getting your hair coloured at a salon versus doing it yourself at home. 'My hope is that we can bring Paxman into everywhere in Ontario,' Isenberg said. 'To me, it's a much smoother experience for the patient and just reduces the stress overall.' Hair loss is so distressing that a study published in 2018 in the medical journal The Oncologist listed it as the most traumatic aspect of chemotherapy for the majority of breast cancer patients. In fact, up to eight per cent were reported in the research to reject chemotherapy because of 'extreme anxiety' over hair loss. As a result, Toronto medical oncologist Dr. Ellen Warner says the availability of scalp cooling 'probably saves the lives of some of these patients.' A presentation on bringing Paxman to Hamilton was made earlier this year by Dr. Andrea Eisen, a Hamilton breast cancer medical oncologist. 'I think there's interest,' Eisen said, speaking as a doctor and not on behalf of HHS. 'There was no debate about the value of it. It's just the cancer program doesn't feel they have the bandwidth to operationalize it right now.' Part of the holdup is logistics like where to store the machines and how to get the technicians to oversee the treatment, although Paxman has offered support. It also doesn't work for all types of chemotherapy treatment and patients. The biggest hurdle is that the treatment is not covered by OHIP and can cost thousands of dollars depending on how long the patient needs chemotherapy. The first five treatments cost about $450 each, the next two are around $400 each and every one after that is $100, going up to $125 in September. It means patients pay out of pocket or hospital foundations cover or subsidize it through donations. Regardless of the cost, Eisen says patients — particularly young women with breast cancer — are looking to access the treatment. 'I do think it will come (to Hamilton) … It's just not imminent,' Eisen said. 'I wish it was sooner. I think it could be implemented without that much difficulty.' Finding the will is a challenge, said Warner, who is based at Sunnybrook Hospital. Even in Toronto, where scalp cooling has been offered for years, Warner says she gets a 'ton of pushback' from colleagues. 'The system is so stressed,' Warner said. 'Nobody wants to hear about something extra.' But the treatment means so much to the patients who want it that Warner is willing to stand up for it. 'Patients should have the ability to take advantage of it,' Warner said. 'Most patients don't know about it.' The treatment works by lowering the temperature of the scalp before, during and after chemotherapy to decrease the blood flow to hair follicles, reducing the amount of medication that reaches them. 'I'm trying desperately to do something with Juravinski and hospitals in that area, but it has been a closed door,' said Harry Goodman, Paxman's general manager for Canada. 'I would say, on average, I'm probably getting phone calls from three to four patients a week that are living in the general area.' Harry Goodman has worked to bring scalp cooling treatments to Canadian hospitals after promising his wife Esther Goodman before she died of cancer in 2015 that he would try to make a difference for future patients. Goodman took on a second career after retirement trying to get scalp cooling treatment into Canadian hospitals to honour a promise he made to his wife Esther Goodman, who died of ovarian and breast cancer at 63 in 2015. One of the most devastating moments of her years with cancer was when her young grandchild didn't recognize her after she'd lost her hair from chemotherapy treatment. Feeling she had lost part of her identity, she asked her husband to try to make a difference for future cancer patients. 'I was going to do something that would help other men, women, teenagers that have to go through cancer so that they never have to worry about their hair not regrowing,' Goodman said. 'I get very emotional about this; it means a lot to me.' Patients like Isenberg want to see scalp cooling treatment become a standard part of cancer care. 'For people who haven't gone through this, it's difficult to find the words to explain how deeply this matters,' Isenberg said. 'Shave your head and then let's have this conversation.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
'Not Just Hair': New CPT Codes And What's Next For Scalp Cooling
When she was just 34 years old, Sue Paxman was diagnosed with breast cancer. As she started treatment, she experienced a side effect that 65% of chemotherapy patients face: chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) or hair loss. One of the most widely-known symptoms of cancer is chemotherapy-induced alopecia - but that hair ... More loss can be devastating for the patient. 'The most common theme we hear from people…is that it is 'not just hair'. It goes so much deeper than that, and it is not vanity!' said Richard Paxman, CEO of Paxman Scalp Cooling. 'Hair loss is a visible side effect that constantly reminds the patient about the disease and the treatment, causing a significant psychological burden.' In fact, up to 14% of female cancer patients choose not to pursue chemotherapy because of their fear of hair loss. The majority of patients who have received chemotherapy have cited hair loss as the most troubling adverse event and the biggest source of sadness: even more traumatic than losing a breast. And one study found that breast cancer patients who experienced alopecia were more distressed, had a poorer body image, reported lower emotional and social functioning, and had higher rates of depression than those who didn't lose their hair. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for women, second only to skin cancer. In the United ... More States specifically, it accounts for about 30% of all new cancer cases in women. Chemotherapy, after all, targets rapidly dividing cells, which can include not just cancer cells but also hair cells, which are the second fastest-dividing cells in the body (behind only bone marrow and stem cells). But a treatment called scalp cooling can help mitigate that hair loss. By reducing the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees before, during, and after the chemotherapy treatment, scalp cooling causes vasoconstriction; blood vessels narrow to preserve heat, blood flow is reduced to as little as 40%, and fewer chemotherapy drugs than before will reach - and affect - the hair follicles. In addition, scalp cooling causes hair cells to become dormant: that is, to stop dividing so that the chemotherapy treatment, which targets rapidly-dividing cells, will bypass them. Scalp cooling in some form has been around since the 1970s; patients then would hold ice packs or even bags of frozen vegetables to their scalps. In the 1990s, however, at the time of her own diagnosis and treatment, Sue Paxman had only limited resources with limited effectiveness at her disposal. 'She tried scalp cooling at her local hospital in Huddersfield, but it wasn't effective,' Mr. Paxman explained. 'She was devastated.' Sue Paxman's husband Glenn, an engineer, aimed to understand why scalp cooling hadn't worked. From this desire to help others with cancer from facing this same devastation, he founded Paxman: a company focused on scalp cooling. Paxman launched its first Scalp Cooling System in 1997 and is now a pioneer of scalp cooling ... More technology. Paxman launched its first Scalp Cooling System, co-built by Glenn Paxman and his brother Neil, in 1997. The system is composed of a compact refrigeration unit, which circulates liquid coolant at low pressure through a special cooling cap that the patient wears. It extracts heat from the patient's scalp and reduces the scalp temperature. Since that original launch over 25 years ago, Paxman scalp cooling devices are now available in over 40 U.S states and in over 60 countries, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has recommended scalp cooling in its breast and ovarian cancer guidelines since 2019, and a thirteen-year, real-world multicenter study concluded, '[scalp cooling] is effective for the majority of patients, and it offers patients the opportunity for privacy, identity, and control in their cancer treatment journey. However, Mr. Paxman noted that there is still a 'general lack of awareness' of and communication around this treatment option. For example, Aetna, the health insurance company, found that, out of its 155 healthcare provider respondents, 62% were in favor of scalp cooling always or most of the time - but only 26% reported initiating discussions regarding scalp cooling always or most of the time. To Mr. Paxman, this knowledge transfer gap is 'the missing link'. He added, 'For those that are recently diagnosed with cancer, with no existing awareness of the treatment…it is crucially important that the option is introduced to them at this stage by their healthcare team. If [the team doesn't] offer scalp cooling as an option, the patient may miss out on this important choice in their treatment plan.' In other words, healthcare providers play 'a crucial role' in ensuring the patient understands scalp cooling holistically, including its procedure, limitations, and benefits. Although, out of 155 healthcare provider respondents, 62% were in favor of scalp cooling always or ... More most of the time - only 26% reported initiating discussions regarding scalp cooling always or most of the time. He does believe, though, that providers 'are often reticent to have the conversation with their patients based on [the financial cost].' Aetna's research supports this same conclusion: financial concerns was the most common reason given by healthcare providers for not initiating discussions in the first place. 'Equitable patient access to scalp cooling is currently limited in the United States,' Mr. Paxman explained. 'Too often, patients who wish to scalp cool are faced with a difficult decision that shouldn't need to be made: retaining their identity and privacy or face inevitable hair loss. Out of context, this would seem like an easy decision, but each choice bears a heavy cost.' Put another way, a patient who is already facing a cancer diagnosis may have to weigh the additional 'emotional and psychological stress' of losing her hair against the 'financial hardship' of a treatment option that could help her retain her hair. A closer look at Paxman's Scalp Cooling System To improve access to scalp cooling, Paxman has been transferring its facility partners to its Insurance-Based Billing Model (IBBM) so that healthcare practitioners can bill the patient's insurer directly. Paxman also has what Mr. Paxman calls a 'best-in-class' Patient Assistance Program (PAP) to support patients who are uninsured or under-insured and can't afford to scalp cool. Those who qualify will receive scalp cooling free of charge. Starting next year, new legislation at the state and federal level can alleviate some of this financial burden too. On a state level, New York became the first U.S state to pass legislation requiring private insurers to cover scalp cooling. Its law was passed in December 2024 and will take effect on January 1, 2026. Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and West Virginia all have bills in progress as well. On a national level, scalp cooling treatment will move from investigational, temporary Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) III codes to permanent CPT® I codes starting in 2026. The American Medical Association assigns these CPT® codes to different healthcare services or procedure to describe them and to assign them a relative value unit (RVU) for reimbursement: a key component in deciding the final reimbursement amount. CPT® III codes are for emerging technologies, services, and procedures while CPT® I codes are for well-established ones. For scalp cooling, the assignment of CPT® I codes is '[a] significant upcoming development that could improve equitable patient access' and 'a key milestone that paves the way for broader insurance reimbursement,' in Mr. Paxman's words. He continued, 'The AMA's rigorous process [in assigning CPT® I codes] strengthens scalp cooling's position as a key treatment and medical necessity which in turn, supports greater coverage'. Starting in 2026, scalp cooling treatment will move from investigational, temporary CPT® III codes ... More to permanent CPT® I codes. Ms. Daniel believes that this shift could lead to increased coverage of the treatment. Going forward, Paxman is developing solutions to help relieve other adverse side effects of chemotherapy, including peripheral neuropathy: a side effect of taxane-based chemotherapy specifically. The peripheral nerves connect the brain and the spinal cord to the rest of the body; when they are damaged, Mr. Paxman described, they can have 'a debilitating outcome for patients,': tingling sensations, numbness, weakness, and even excruciating pain in the patient's hands and feet. Trial data has already shown the potential of cryotherapy and compression as an effective peripheral neuropathy treatment; the Paxman device aims to deliver that cooling and compression in a consistent and measurable manner. The device is still in clinical trials – the goal is to have 800 total patients in its next phase, which currently remains open for enrollment – but the promising preliminary results demonstrate what Mr. Paxman calls 'an exciting step for providing patients around the world access to these life changing technologies in side-effect management'. Paxman is also doubling down on treatments for CIA specifically. The company has found that a topical formulation could suppress or prevent damage to hair follicles when cooling may not adequately protect them. Paxman is, accordingly, pursuing a topical agent that can be applied to the scalp before a drug infusion to act as an antioxidant against chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Already, the company has in vitro data that both proves its agent's ability to protect hair follicles when used with cooling and supports its ability to enhance the efficacy of scalp cooling and accelerate hair recovery post-chemotherapy. Lastly, just this month, Paxman announced that it was merging with Dignitana, which developed the DigniCap Scalp Cooling System: the first scalp cooling system cleared by the FDA. (Two years later, in 2017, the FDA cleared the second scalp cooling system, which was Paxman's.) 'Over the past few years, Paxman and Dignitana have developed a strong relationship, with a common vision,' Mr. Paxman explained. '…We are well positioned to accelerate that shared vision' by 'combining our strengths' – including agility, innovation, and pursuit of new opportunities – especially as scalp cooling enters 'a period of exciting change in the reimbursement landscape within the United States'. Going forward, Paxman is continuing to pursue treatments for chemotherapy-induced alopecia - as well ... More as solutions for adverse side effects of chemotherapy, such as peripheral neuropathy And that period of 'exciting change' can bring more accessibility and awareness to scalp cooling than ever before. As Richard Paxman concluded, 'Patient motivations and reasons for choosing to scalp cool can be complicated and diverse, but the majority fall into the following categories: to protect family – children, parents and wider social networks, to maintain normalcy and privacy, to retain identity and sense of self, and to maintain a degree of control at a time when many things are taken out of your own control.' Through the Paxman Scalp Cooling System, merger with Dignitana, and ongoing innovations to mitigate chemotherapy-induced side effects, Paxman aims to meet those goals – while always continuing to honor its inspiration and its namesake: Sue Paxman.
