Part of Paxman’s global vision has always been to make scalp cooling accessible for all. We’re delighted to see even more progress towards this vision taking place in Japan. These recent highlights reflect the growing impact of scalp cooling, made possible by the dedication of our partners, clinicians and patient communities.
On 19th July, the Shikoku Cancer Centre hosted a special commemorative event to recognise a total of 2,000 patients completing scalp cooling treatment at the centre. This remarkable milestone is not just about the numbers, but the commitment of the Centre’s clinicians, nurses and staff who have embraced scalp cooling as a vital part of supportive cancer care. Together they have built a culture of care that puts a patient’s quality of life at the forefront.
The event, attended by clinicians along with some members of the public, featured a dedicated video message from CEO Richard Paxman; giving thanks for their exemplary level of cancer care, marking the significant milestone in scalp cooling, and looking forward to continuing the partnership in side effect management and positive patient outcomes.
Sampo Yoshi, a traditional Japanese business philosophy, dates back to the 17th century Ohmi merchants in Japan’s Shiga Prefecture. It translates as “three-way good” meaning good for the seller, good for the buyer and good for society. Paxman’s distributor, CMI, is a subsidiary of ITOCHU, one of the largest general trading companies in Japan.
Their revival of this centuries old business philosophy has led to industry-leading profitability and a top 10 market capitalisation, while furthering the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. As such, ITOCHU’s distribution of Paxman within the Japanese market has attracted the attention of Harvard Business School in the form of a case study. Noted for promotion of good health and well-being among people, ITOCHU’s example of their work with Paxman is also included as part of the course textbook for students.
Another exciting development is the release of Japan’s first study on scalp cooling for gynaecological cancers, led by Dr Oki. This feasibility research explores the use of scalp cooling for patients beyond breast cancer, opening up the possibility of wider access for those facing other solid tumours in Japan.
The retrospective study was conducted involving 16 patients with gynaecological cancer who underwent chemotherapy with scalp cooling at NHO Tokyo Medical Centre between January 2021 and April 2024. It found that scalp cooling is effective and safe in preventing hair loss and restoring hair volume in Japanese patients with gynaecological cancer, suggesting high patient satisfaction with this treatment.
Earlier this month, we were proud to join the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Breast Cancer Society, where scalp cooling had a significant presence at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo. More than 25 posters and research presentations featured insights from facilities using Paxman systems.
The posters and presentations at the conference covered a broad range of topics, including the clinical efficacy of scalp cooling, patient safety, side effect management, practical nursing practices, patient satisfaction, and the operational improvements needed to expand access. Many also explored real-world data on hair preservation rates, psychological impacts, and strategies for improving patient experiences with Paxman systems.
A highlight was the sponsored symposium chaired by Dr Inokuchi, with presentations by Dr Haruru Kotani and Dr Tomoko Kurita. Dr Kotani shared new data on the clinical effectiveness of scalp cooling and the importance of pre-treatment patient education, while Dr Kurita offered practical insights on delivering and improving the service. Sharing this knowledge is vital to ensure more patients benefit from scalp cooling with confidence and comfort.
Speaking about the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Breast Cancer Society, its President, Takashi Ishikawa, highlighted the distinct genetic and environmental backgrounds between Asian populations and Western Populations.
“Asians and Westerners vary in physique and constitution, leading to different approaches to breast cancer management. Therefore, while the evidence from Western countries is extremely valuable, it may not always be directly applicable in Japan without proper modification.”
– Takashi Ishikawa
For this reason, it was incredibly reassuring to see so many abstracts and presentations on scalp cooling at the event, with hopes that access in Japan can expand even further.
It is inspiring and humbling to how much activity, progress, and recognition can be achieved in just a few months. With the news that partial subsidies for scalp cooling are now available through approximately 20 different local authorities in Japan, we’re deeply grateful for dedication of CMI, Japanese clinicians and the policymakers who continue to champion the adoption of scalp cooling and make supportive cancer care a priority for the wellbeing of their patients.
