"52509 Expanding access to scalp cooling therapy: a review of post-capp" by Madison Novice, Lucy Rose et al.
 

52509 Expanding access to scalp cooling therapy: a review of post-capping satisfaction in patients who received financial assistance from a non-profit organization

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-1-2024

Publication Title

J Am Acad Dermatol

Abstract

Background: Scalp cooling therapy (SCT) is the most effective method to reduce chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), a highly distressing treatment side effect. Despite SCT’s efficacy data, insurance coverage is inconsistent and out-of-pocket costs are ∼$1500-3000 per chemotherapy course. SCT is more likely to be offered to young, female breast cancer patients living in zip codes with average incomes greater than $100,000. Non-profit organizations exist to provide need-based funding for SCT. Methods: We reviewed de-identified applicant records and post-capping surveys from funding recipients of a non-profit organization, Cap & Conquer™️(C&C). Results: Of 139 funded patients, all were female with predominately breast cancer (119/139, 85.6%). Ages ranged from 22 to 75 years old (average 47.02). Approximately 78% (108/139) completed SCT. Sixty-six out of 139 individuals completed a post-capping survey (47.4% response rate). Hair retention was reported as enough to not be noticeable loss (43/66, 65.2%), overall thinning/bald spots (12/66, 18.2%), lost most hair (10/66, 15.1%), and no response (1/66, 1.5%). Fifty-five out of 66 participants (83.3%) were satisfied with their SCT experience, and 60/66 (90.9%) would recommend SCT to others. Individuals who did not receive anthracyclines were significantly more likely to continue (p=0.00001) or be satisfied (p=1.1 x 10-16) with SCT. There was no correlation between patient age and SCT completion (p=0.85) or satisfaction (p=0.68). Conclusion: Our data highlights high post-capping satisfaction rates in patients requiring financial support to use SCT, regardless of age. Given CIA’s negative psychological impactions, educating a broader population and advocating for insurance coverage is essential to increasing SCT access.

Volume

91

Issue

3

First Page

AB43

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