Chemotherapy is one of the most important therapeutic components in cancer treatment. It can save lives, but unfortunately has some undesirable side effects like CIPN, HFS and hair loss.

Hilotherapy works with the Hilotherm ChemoCare device by forming a closed-loop system with cuffs and piping through which the water flows. Sensors ensure consistency of temperature throughout the entire therapy period.

This cooling treatment is most effective at preventing CIPN/HFS symptoms when it is used from the first chemotherapy session and throughout all chemotherapy sessions. The earlier the start using Hilotherm, the better the results are likely be.

There have been many studies carried out on the use of Hilotherm to prevent CIPN/HFS with further studies being published regularly.

CIPN & Hand-Foot Syndrome

Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause damage to the nerve endings in the hands and feet. This is known as chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Side effects of peripheral neuropathy are often felt in the hands and feet and can cause severe pain and discomfort, affecting a patient’s balance, dexterity and even their ability to walk. Tingling, numbness and burning are also common symptoms of CIPN.

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a dermatological condition that primarily affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It occurs as chemotherapeutic agents penetrate the hands and feet through the capillaries and cause damage to exposed tissue. Symptoms of HFS include redness, numbness, swelling, blistering and dry, peeling skin. Patients experiencing more severe symptoms may lose their nails and experience intense pain in their hands and/or feet.

Severe symptoms can lead to dose reduction and changes to their treatment plan or the cessation of treatment altogether.

ChemoCare Scalp Cooling

Chemotherapy-induced hair loss (CIA) is another common side effect that Hilotherapy can help combat.

Hilotherm ChemoCare CIA devices provide temperature controlled continuous cooling. The scalp is cooled to 19-20°C by the fitted cooling cap.

Cooling leads to the constriction of the blood vessels at the hair roots reducing their blood flow. This causes a reduction of metabolism, transport and uptake of cytoxic substances of the hair follicles resulting in visible reduction of hair loss.