United News of Bangladesh

A new study from the UK offers fresh hope to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with researchers unveiling a technique that could significantly reduce one of the most distressing side effects — hair loss. Scientists at Sheffield Hallam University have found that combining scalp cooling to an optimal temperature of 18 degrees Celsius with the application of antioxidant-rich lotions can protect hair follicles from chemotherapy-induced damage. Scalp cooling, already used in some hospitals through "cold caps", works by narrowing blood vessels in the scalp, limiting the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair follicles. The new research demonstrates that cooling the scalp to precisely 18°C, along with antioxidants — including ingredients found in red grapes — enhances the protective effect. Earth's rotation speeding up, leading to slightly shorter days: Report “This dual approach could be a game-changer,” said Dr Nik Georgopoulos, associate professor of cell biology at Sheffield Hallam University. “Our findings suggest that the combination of cooling and antioxidants could be a game-changer in preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss and could make a real difference to the lives of cancer patients worldwide.” He added, “It highlights the potential for a more effective and accessible solution to a common and highly distressing side effect of cancer treatment. By improving the quality of life for these patients, this method represents a significant advancement in supportive cancer care.” The study, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, involved isolating hair follicles from the scalp and growing them in a laboratory setting. Researchers then exposed the follicles to chemotherapy and found that cooling provided substantial protection against drug-induced damage. According to Sheffield Hallam University, approximately 65% of chemotherapy patients experience hair loss, with 47% of female patients describing it as the most traumatic aspect of their treatment. Source: NDTV