Chemotherapy is a cornerstone in the fight against cancer, but it is often accompanied by side effects that can impact patients’ physical and emotional well-being. Common adverse effects include chemotherapy-induced alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, and nail changes.
Cryotherapy is a non-pharmacological intervention that, through the controlled application of cold, can help prevent or reduce some of these side effects:
- Scalp cooling (Scalp Cryotherapy): Performed using a helmet connected to a cooling system, this technique lowers the scalp temperature before, during, and after chemotherapy. The cold induces vasoconstriction and reduces local metabolism, limiting the amount of drug reaching the hair follicles. The aim is to prevent or minimise hair loss, which can have a significant impact on patients’ self-esteem.
- Peripheral cryotherapy (gel gloves and boots): Applied to the hands and feet 15–30 minutes before chemotherapy infusion, maintained during the infusion, and continued for up to 30 minutes afterward. This reduces the temperature of the extremities, causing vasoconstriction, which lowers blood flow and, consequently, the exposure of these areas to cytotoxic drugs.
This approach helps reduce the incidence of peripheral neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced nail changes, commonly associated with drugs such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, and oxaliplatin.
Although it does not guarantee complete prevention, cryotherapy has shown positive results and is generally well tolerated. Associated side effects, such as intense cold, numbness, or shivering, are transient and reversible.
Patient selection is carried out by the medical team, while the nursing staff ensure monitoring and proper application of the technique, ensuring both safety and comfort.
Overall, cryotherapy represents a significant advancement in supportive oncology care, helping to improve the patient experience throughout the treatment journey.
13, October 2025
