The Aleris Oncology Clinic, located within the renowned Sabbatsberg Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, is making significant strides in improving the quality of life for cancer patients. Following the success of a collaborative pilot project with Dignitana, it is expanding access to an innovative scalp cooling treatment aimed at minimizing hair loss during chemotherapy.
“We have observed substantial improvements in our patients’ psychosocial well-being during their treatment journeys,” explains Anna-Maria Hasselgren Häll, a dedicated oncology nurse at Aleris Christinakliniken. Her insights highlight the treatment’s impact beyond just physical health.
Aleris has undertaken a number of thorough trials assessing the efficacy of this groundbreaking scalp cooling therapy, which effectively reduces hair loss in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for various solid tumors. As part of their commitment to patient care, those beginning chemotherapy will now have the opportunity to utilize this invaluable cooling treatment.
“The preservation of hair during cancer treatment transcends mere aesthetics; patients frequently express how critical it is for their self-esteem and daily life,” emphasizes Anna-Maria Hasselgren Häll. This encapsulates the emotional and psychological significance of retaining hair during such a challenging period.
By carefully lowering the temperature of the scalp, blood flow and metabolic rates are decreased, thereby allowing hair follicles to absorb less of the damaging chemotherapy agents. As a result, this treatment significantly enhances the likelihood of maintaining hair, which is a crucial factor for many patients, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.
The innovative scalp cooling technology was engineered by Dignitana, a leader in medical technology. The process involves a custom-designed cooling cap linked to the highly effective DigniCap Delta machine, which actively cools the patient’s scalp throughout chemotherapy sessions, leading to impressive reductions in hair loss.
“Our ongoing collaboration with Aleris Christinakliniken exemplifies our shared commitment to enhancing patient care. Their proactive approach in adopting this treatment allows us to offer a greater number of cancer patients the chance to maintain their hair and enjoy an improved sense of well-being,” states Fredrik Jonsson, CEO of Dignitana.
Aleris Christinakliniken has officially decided to permanently integrate Dignitana’s DigniCap Delta into their treatment offerings, responding to the significant demand for this service and aiming to elevate the quality of cancer care provided. With numerous patients from all parts of Sweden directly reaching out for information about scalp cooling treatment, this initiative is poised to meet a vital need within the cancer community.
“We frequently receive inquiries from patients eager to locate facilities that provide scalp cooling treatment. It is incredibly rewarding that Aleris Christinakliniken is taking steps to broaden the availability of this invaluable service. Ultimately, we believe scalp cooling should become a standard aspect of modern cancer care,” notes Fredrik Jonsson from Dignitana.
Approximately 72,000 individuals are diagnosed with cancer in Sweden each year, with over 8,000 new breast cancer cases annually. While the prevalence of cancer in the country has risen over the past half-century, advancements in medical research, early detection methods, and improved treatment modalities have contributed to a marked decrease in cancer mortality rates during the same time frame.
For more information, contact:
Anna-Maria Hasselgren Häll, Licensed Oncology Nurse and Head of Unit at Aleris Christinakliniken, +46 730 38 38 20 (press service), anna-maria.hasselgren-hall@aleris.se
Fredrik Jonsson, CEO of Dignitana AB (publ), +46 708 76 64 44, fredrik.jonsson@dignitana.com
About Aleris Christinakliniken:
About Dignitana
Dignitana AB is acclaimed as the global pioneer in scalp cooling technology designed specifically for cancer care. The company has developed The DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System, a patented device that enables cancer patients to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. Since receiving FDA clearance in 2015, DigniCap has been recognized for its continuous cooling capability, ensuring high efficacy, safety, and incredible comfort for patients. Celebrated worldwide as a transformative advancement, the DigniCap Scalp Cooling System was initially invented by a Swedish oncology nurse in 1999 and has been available in Europe since 2001. Dignitana AB is listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Sweden, with its headquarters in Lund and US operations centered in Dallas, Texas. The company also operates through subsidiaries, including Dignitana, Inc. in the US and Dignitana S.r.l. in Italy. For further details, visit www.dignitana.com or www.dignicap.com.
**Interview with Anna-Maria Hasselgren Häll, Oncology Nurse at Aleris Christinakliniken, and Fredrik Jonsson, CEO of Dignitana**
**Editor:** Thank you both for joining us today to discuss the recent advancements at Aleris Oncology Clinic regarding scalp cooling treatment. Anna-Maria, can you start by sharing how this innovative treatment is making a difference in the lives of cancer patients?
**Anna-Maria Hasselgren Häll:** Absolutely. The scalp cooling treatment has been a game changer for our patients. We’ve seen significant improvements in their psychosocial well-being during treatment. Many patients have communicated how crucial it is for their self-esteem to retain their hair. It’s more than just an aesthetic issue; it deeply affects their daily lives and mental health.
**Editor:** That’s an important point. Fredrik, could you elaborate on the technology behind this treatment and why it is so effective?
**Fredrik Jonsson:** Of course. The DigniCap Delta system is designed to actively cool the scalp during chemotherapy, which helps reduce the absorption of harmful agents by hair follicles. By carefully managing the scalp temperature, we can significantly lower the likelihood of hair loss. This technology is not just effective; it’s also user-friendly, making it easier for clinics like Aleris to integrate it into their treatment routines.
**Editor:** It sounds incredibly promising. Anna-Maria, what feedback have you received from patients about this new approach?
**Anna-Maria Hasselgren Häll:** The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients often tell us that being able to keep their hair restores a sense of normalcy during a turbulent time. It promotes a more positive self-image that can be vital when facing cancer treatment.
**Editor:** That’s heartening to hear. Fredrik, given the rise in cancer diagnoses in Sweden, how do you envision the future of scalp cooling treatments in the healthcare system?
**Fredrik Jonsson:** We believe that scalp cooling should become a standard part of cancer treatment across all healthcare facilities. The demand is clear, as we frequently receive inquiries from patients wanting this service. As our collaboration with Aleris shows, we are committed to expanding access to this treatment, ultimately aiming for a better quality of life for all cancer patients.
**Editor:** It’s encouraging to see such advancements in patient care. Anna-Maria, can you tell us how Aleris is planning to make this treatment more accessible to patients across Sweden?
**Anna-Maria Hasselgren Häll:** We’re actively working on expanding our services to ensure that all cancer patients who need this treatment can access it. We understand how crucial it is for patients, and we are committed to making scalp cooling a widely available option in our clinic and beyond.
**Editor:** Thank you both for your insights and for the important work you are doing to improve the lives of cancer patients. It’s truly inspiring to see healthcare providers and technology companies working together towards such a positive impact.