What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Systematic Review. Population: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (n=52). Intervention: Scalp cooling technologies.

January 9, 2026Open Access

Innovations for cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions to combat chemotherapy-induced alopecia: a narrative systematic review

Key Result

Affordable and eco-friendly scalp cooling solutions, such as gel-based, cryogel, and silicone-based caps, offer practical alternatives to machine-operated systems to prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

Study Design

Type

Systematic Review (n=52)

Structured PICO

Do low-cost and eco-friendly scalp cooling technologies prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia in cancer patients?

Population

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at risk for chemotherapy-induced alopecia, with a focus on low-income patients in resource-limited settings (52 studies included)

Intervention

Low-cost and eco-friendly scalp cooling technologies (including gel-based, cryogel, dry ice-powered, modular, silicone-based, DIY, biodegradable, and solar-powered caps)

Comparator

Traditional machine-operated automated scalp cooling systems

Outcome

Cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and accessibility/efficacy of hair preservation

Affordable and eco-friendly scalp cooling solutions, such as cryogel and silicone-based caps, can significantly improve equity in cancer care by providing accessible and sustainable hair-preserving interventions.

Limitations

Use of English-only sources
Potential publication bias
Heterogeneity across study designs and outcome measures

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) remains a distressing side effect of cancer treatment, affecting patients' quality of life and psychological well-being. Scalp cooling is a promising intervention to prevent hair loss, yet challenges related to cost, accessibility, and environmental impact limit its widespread adoption. This narrative systematic review analyzed 52 studies published between 2014 and 2024 on innovations in scalp cooling technologies, focusing on cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and accessibility for low-income cancer patients. Findings indicate that gel-based, cryogel, and silicone-based cooling caps offer practical, affordable alternatives to machine-operated systems, while biodegradable and recyclable materials enhance environmental sustainability. Additionally, solar-powered and reusable designs show potential for use in low-resource settings. Overall, evidence suggests that affordable and eco-friendly scalp cooling solutions can significantly improve equity in cancer care by making hair-preserving interventions more accessible and sustainable.

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