The Scalp Cooling Summit has now launched its free membership platform to enable unique access and insight into all current and upcoming news within the industry, via video seminars, thought leader interviews via podcast, and data-led whitepapers.
Development of a topical agent to aid scalp cooling treatment
The research team at the University of Huddersfield has made some exciting progress in their topical agent development project, with three key antioxidants now in a nano-formulation. The next steps will involve talks with a potential commercial partner to bring the product into the marketplace, and ultimately further improve efficacy for patients undergoing scalp cooling treatment.
Patient-centered research
To better understand the psychosocial impact of scalp cooling, the University of Huddersfield team carried out an interview process with our private Facebook Group containing several thousand patients. These interviews produced some key insights, ranging from commentary on the treatment process itself to the impact it had on patients’ everyday lives. 72% of those interviewed stated that they saw either expected levels or better than expected hair retention with scalp cooling. There was also a staggering 99% of patients, who cited scalp cooling as improving their emotional wellbeing whilst undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Clinical trials begin on mitigating peripheral neuropathy
One of the most exciting ventures throughout the last 12 months is Paxman’s product development in the peripheral neuropathy space. Working with the University of Huddersfield and the National University of Singapore, a cryocompression device to mitigate this debilitating chemotherapy side-effect has been developed. There are currently 30 patients in clinical trials in Singapore, which are looking incredibly promising and driving the manufacturing improvements of these devices in preparation for the clinical trials in the US. Having gained SWOG and NCI sponsorship for a large clinical study in the United States, cryocompression devices are now being shipped to 25 locations across America, with 700 patients due to take part in the trial.
Scalp cooling efficacy for Black and Latina women with textured hair types
Diversity and inclusion are core to what Paxman do, and last year a clinical trial was opened with the Montefiore Einstein Hospital in New York. Led by Dr Beth McClellan, the trial is looking at patients of color with textured hair types, to investigate how to appropriately support those going through scalp cooling and chemotherapy treatment with types 3 & 4 hair. Results will look to influence how to not only improve treatment efficacy but also a patient’s experience of treatment through inclusive education and support.
Paxman Buy and Bill Model for scalp cooling reimbursement gaining momentum
A common theme within all the Scalp Cooling Summit discussions between oncology thought leaders was the access to care for patients and the barrier to scalp cooling based on cost – particularly in markets in the U.S. where patients have to pay out of pocket. However, since the Summit, in June 2022 Paxman launched their new Buy and Build model alongside the Paxman Hub, to enable centers to bill insurers directly for scalp cooling reimbursement. Adoption of the model has been gaining momentum, and promising, tangible data is emerging from the Paxman Hub from those sites that have transitioned to the service. This means that payers are starting to reimburse patients to access this treatment and taking vital steps in removing the financial barrier to care. For those patients who were unable to gain coverage, Paxman has developed a favorable Patient Assistance Program to support those under- or un-insured patients with free-of-charge access to scalp cooling.
Launch of the new Scalp Cooling Summit platform
To top it all off – the new Scalp Cooling Summit member platform is live! Providing free access to all the past Summit discussions and whitepapers from the event, the platform was developed to inspire and empower physicians to innovate their approaches to patient-centered care and symptom management, and to challenge their own or their peer’s preconceptions. In addition, members will be able to keep up to date with the Changing the Face of Cancer podcast, and access future video discussions with global oncology thought leaders explaining their approaches to cancer care.
