Novel thermoelectric scalp cooling system for mitigating chemotherapy-induced alopecia

The National Cancer Institute awarded Rush River Research Corporation $610,080 on September 15, 2025, under the Cancer Treatment Research program (CFDA 93.395) to develop and validate a novel thermoelectric scalp cooling device for mitigating chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

The award funds development of a next-generation scalp cooling cap using solid-state thermoelectric cooling technology. The device is designed as a fluid-free, fully portable system that delivers precise, sustained cooling without external equipment, addressing limitations of current scalp cooling technologies including high costs, patient discomfort, and inconsistency across chemotherapy regimens. The prototype is intended to expand access to infusion centers, at-home settings, and underserved communities by providing a more effective, affordable, and patient-friendly solution for chemotherapy-induced alopecia prevention.

Rush River Research Corporation, a woman-owned small business located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the recipient. The award runs through August 31, 2027.

Mayo Clinic serves as a sub-recipient, conducting clinical evaluation of the scalp cooling prototype. Mayo Clinic's activities include IRB approval oversight, recruitment of oncology providers and chemotherapy patients, usability testing with the System Usability Scale and other assessment instruments, participant recruitment, data collection and analysis, clinical coordination, and preparation of a final usability report with recommendations to inform Phase II prototype refinement.

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a distressing side effect of cancer treatment, affecting approximately 65% of patients, particularly those undergoing taxane- or anthracycline-based therapies for breast and gynecological cancers. This condition significantly impacts patients' psychological well-being, especially among women, leading to anxiety, diminished self-esteem, and reduced quality of life. While scalp cooling (SC) has proven effective in mitigating CIA, current technologies are hindered by high costs, limited accessibility, patient discomfort, and inconsistent results across chemotherapy regimens. Additionally, the need for external chillers, fluid circulation, and frequent cap replacements limits adoption, particularly in resource-limited settings. This proposal aims to develop and validate a next-generation scalp cooling device using solid-state thermoelectric cooling technology. Our fluid free and fully portable cap delivers precise, sustained cooling without external equipment, enhancing patient comfort and mobility. This breakthrough design expands access to infusion centers, at-home settings, and underserved communities, providing a more effective, affordable, and patient-friendly solution for CIA prevention. Through clinical validation, we aim to improve the quality of life for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, advancing equitable access to this transformative technology.