Preventing Eyebrow and Eyelash Hair Loss with Cryotherapy in Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia CIA can deeply affect body image in breast cancer patients, especially when it causes loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, known as madarosis. This research evaluates whether targeted cryotherapy applied to the eyebrow area can help reduce madarosis caused by anthracycline- and taxane-based chemotherapy. The study aims to fill a gap in supportive cancer care by developing the first evidence-based protocol for madarosis prevention and creating a new alopecia classification scale. The study involves two groups one receiving targeted supraorbital cryotherapy using temperature-controlled cold devices applied 15 minutes before chemotherapy infusion and continued for 20 minutes after, and a control group receiving chemotherapy without cryotherapy. Chemotherapy includes anthracyclines and taxanes, following standard treatment protocols. Cryotherapy is delivered via cold eye masks positioned over the eyebrow area during treatment. Participants will be assessed at four times before treatment, mid-chemotherapy, at chemotherapy completion, and one month after finishing treatment. Hair retention will be measured using photogrammetric analysis with AI-powered algorithms. Quality of life and patient satisfaction with eyelash appearance will be evaluated through validated questionnaires. Adverse events related to cryotherapy will also be monitored throughout chemotherapy, which typically lasts about 20 to 24 weeks.

Effect of Cryotherapy in the Prevention of Madarosis Produced by Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients