43451 Identifying patient characteristics that contribute to a successful scalp cooling experience: a mixed methods study

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-19-2023

Publication Title

J Am Acad Dermatol

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a highly distressing treatment side- effect. Despite scalp cooling therapy’s (SCT) well-demonstrated efficacy for reducing CIA, SCT use in the United States is limited. Our study seeks to understand factors that influence SCT use and QOL outcomes to guide patient counseling. Methods: This retrospective study utilizes a convergent mixed methods design consisting of a 29-question survey and a 1:1 virtual interview with cancer patients who either used or did not use SCT between 2010 to 2020. Results: Twenty-seven breast cancer patients participated: 14 (51.9%) used SCT and 13 (48.1%) did not. Participants who defined their SCT as successful (71.4%) shared the following characteristics: strong motivation to keep their hair (e.g., work), dedicated support system, “why not try” mentality, and a realistic definition of SCT success (e.g., enough to maintain privacy about treatment). QOL impact of hair preservation during and post- chemotherapy, respectively, was as follows (scale of -50 to +50): +42.0 and +41.1 for the 8/14 who used SCT with >50% hair preservation; +26 and +27.5 for the 2/14 who used SCT with >25% hair preservation; -14 and +0 for the 4/14 who used SCT and kept <25%; and-34 and -20 for the 12/13 who did not use SCT and lost>75% of hair. Common QoL benefits included increased privacy, improved emotional well-being, and easier transition to the survivorship period. Conclusion: We identified specific characteristics that contribute to a successful SCT experience. These characteristics can guide providers regarding educational approaches for patients during the SCT decision-making process.

Volume

89

Issue

3

First Page

AB175

Find It @ Sladen

Share

COinS