The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted expanded clearance for the use of Sweden-based firm Dignitana’s DigniCap cooling system to minimise hair loss (alopecia) during chemotherapy.

DigniCap is a computer-controlled cooling system that supplies liquid to a cap worn on the head to cool the scalp during chemotherapy.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The system decreases the frequency and severity of hair loss in solid tumour patients who are treated with chemotherapeutic agents and doses that might lead to alopecia.

FDA Centre for Devices and Radiological Health Surgical Devices division director said: “We are pleased to expand the use of this product for cancer patients with solid tumours to potentially minimise chemotherapy-induced hair loss.”

The cap used during the procedure is covered by another neoprene-made cap to hold the cooling cap in place and to provide insulation.

See Also:

"The results reportedly indicated that there was a loss of less than half of the hair in 66% of the patients."

The cooling technique is expected to constrict the scalp’s blood vessels, minimising the hair follicles activity, cell division, and the chemotherapy amount reaching the follicles.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Originally, DigniCap was authorised by the FDA in 2015 for use in breast cancer patients.

The authorisation was based on the validation of the cooling system’s efficacy performed in 122 Stage I and Stage II breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment with agents known to cause hair loss.

The results reportedly indicated that there was a loss of less than half of the hair in 66% of the patients.

To support its expanded indication for the device, the firm has submitted peer-reviewed articles analysing DigniCap application in patients with solid tumours other than breast cancer.