One of the most common side effects for patients undergoing chemotherapy is hair loss. It may not seem like a big deal anymore, as people have “accepted” hair loss these days, but it certainly affects patients’ self-esteem and self-image. Patients say hair loss is one of the most traumatic parts of cancer treatment. A new product will soon be available on the market to help prevent this chemotherapy side effect.
Designer: Luminate
Lily is a helmet developed by cancer treatment technology startup Luminate. The basic idea of the device is that when worn during chemotherapy sessions, the helmet exerts pressure across the scalp, preventing chemicals from entering the patient’s hair follicles. The helmet is made from a soft material, making it comfortable to wear and not adding to the common discomfort patients experience during chemotherapy sessions. Think of the helmet as a compression garment for your head.
The wearable device resembles a typical helmet, but with padding under the cheeks and chin. It is designed and constructed to block capillaries to prevent toxic chemotherapy drugs from affecting patients’ hair. In the first trial, 75% of participants maintained their hair while undergoing chemotherapy while wearing the Lilly helmet. Another trial will be conducted in November with 85 patients across the US.
Luminate is also developing a glove and boot set called Lilac to help prevent neuropathy, another side effect of chemotherapy. The company’s goal is to make cancer treatment more comfortable for patients by developing products that address side effects.
