Innovative Scalp Cooling Service for Chemotherapy Patients at WVU Cancer Institute

In recent months, the WVU Cancer Institute has launched a new service across several regional sites to address hair loss in chemotherapy patients. Twelve Cooler Heads Amma scalp-cooling units have been installed in six of the Institute's 17 regional locations, including Martinsburg, Parkersburg, Princeton, Charleston, Bridgeport, and Wheeling. This innovative service is also available at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center in Morgantown.

Scalp cooling works by decreasing scalp temperature, which reduces blood flow and lessens the impact of chemotherapy on hair follicles. Although some hair shedding is inevitable during treatment, this technique aids in distributing hair loss more evenly, providing psychological comfort to patients.

Patients engage with a custom-fitted scalp-cooling cap during chemotherapy sessions. A portable cooling unit circulates a chilled solution to maintain the desired scalp temperature, starting approximately 30 minutes before treatment and continuing for several hours afterward.

Funding for these advanced cooling units was secured through the "Fund the Mission" campaign during the WVU Cancer Institute's Annual Gala, raising over $278,000. Contributions were managed by the WVU Foundation, a nonprofit organization that oversees donations for WVU and its affiliates.

Mark Smith, Assistant Vice President of Oncology Services, extended gratitude for donor support, noting that increased availability of cooling systems across regional sites offers patients an alternative to manage hair loss and reduce anxiety. Patients interested in scalp cooling are advised to contact their treatment sites directly for current availability.

Insurance coverage for the scalp-cooling service is possible, with self-pay options for those without coverage. Earlier this year, West Virginia enacted the Jessica Huffman Bill, mandating health insurance providers cover this treatment, a move mirrored by Maryland and considered by Ohio and Pennsylvania. Coverage applies to plans starting January 1, 2027, with potential deductibles and copayments.

Additional cooling systems will be deployed at more regional sites, including Elkins, Fairmont, Oakland, Petersburg, Keyser, Glen Dale, Buckhannon, Summersville, and Weirton from July to November. For further information, individuals are encouraged to visit WVUMedicine.org/Cancer.