DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System
For cancer patients, hair loss during chemotherapy treatment can be traumatic. At UConn Health, we are pleased to provide access to DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System to our breast cancer patients.
When a DigniCap is worn during chemotherapy sessions, it delivers cold to the scalp, which lowers the scalp temperature resulting in diminished blood flow to the scalp area. This reduces the amount of chemotherapy that reaches the hair cells. With the cellular metabolism within the hair cells slowed, the hair cells receive less chemotherapy and are more like to survive the treatment.
While the DigniCap isn't a guarantee that patients will keep all of their hair, it greatly improves the chances that they will retain some of it during the course of their treatment.
What Is the Treatment Like?
The DigniCap system consists of a tight-fitting silicone cooling cap connected to a cooling system that is placed on the patient’s head 30 minutes prior to the start of chemotherapy infusion.
Sensors in the cap keep track of and continuously change temperature to keep the scalp cool throughout the entire cooling treatment. In addition, the cap is equipped with a safety sensor to ensure the temperature never drops below the freezing point of 32°F (0°C). The cap is at room temperature when placed on the head and the treatment temperature is gradually achieved over a short period time, once chemotherapy and post-infusion cooling time are complete, the cap slowly warms up.
Learn more about the impact the DigniCap had on UConn Health patient Marisa Dolce.
Who Is Eligible to Use DigniCap?
Currently, the DigniCap is approved for use by the FDA in breast cancer patients only due to the types of chemotherapy drugs being used. Clinical trials and FDA approval are both underway to determine the effectiveness with other cancer treatments, so please consult your doctor for the latest information.
Is This Covered by Insurance?
Please consult your insurance company by calling the phone number on the back of your card.
Is DigniCap Right for You?
If you are interested in learning more about DigniCap, speak with your doctor first to see if this would be a good fit based on your diagnosis and treatment plan. For additional information, call 860-480-1981.