portable scalp cooling system for the improvement of chemotherapy-induced hair loss in patients with metastatic breast cancer

Conditions: Anatomic Stage IV Breast Cancer AJCC v8; Metastatic Breast Carcinoma

Summary: this clinical trial evaluates the benefits of a portable scalp cooling system (pscs) for improving chemotherapy-induced hair loss in patients with breast cancer that has spread to other places in the body (metastatic) and are undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy. the pscs is a new system designed to reduce chemotherapy induced hair loss. the pscs is designed as a portable unit, allowing patients to leave the infusion center after chemotherapy is completed and finish scalp cooling at home. pscs may help improve chemotherapy-induced hair loss in patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving chemotherapy.

primary objective: i. measure efficacy of scalp cooling for patients undergoing taxane based chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. secondary objectives: i. assess safety of pscs in treating patients with metastatic breast cancer. ii. assess burden on nurses and infusion center team of patients using the pscs. iii. assess tolerability of pscs. iv. assess hair loss and recovery as assessed by the patient. v. assess patient quality of life and satisfaction with treatment. outline: patients undergo scalp cooling using the pscs 30 minutes before, during, and for up to 2 hours after completion of chemotherapy for 6 chemotherapy sessions. after completion of study, patients are followed up for 1 year.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * documented informed consent of the participant * age: \>= 18 years * eastern cooperative oncology group (ecog) =\< 2 * ability to read and understand english or spanish for questionnaires * documented diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer with at least a 6 month life expectancy * a planned course of taxane based chemotherapy in the metastatic setting, including paclitaxel, docetaxel or abraxane * at least 6 months from the last chemotherapy causing hair loss with complete recovery of hair * willing to be contacted for brief annual assessments for five years * women of childbearing potential (wocbp): negative urine pregnancy test * agreement by females of childbearing potential to use an effective method of birth control or abstain from heterosexual activity for the course of the study * childbearing potential defined as not being surgically sterilized (men and women) or have not been free from menses for \> 1 year (women only) exclusion criteria: * autoimmune disease affecting hair; e.g. alopecia areata, systemic lupus with associated hair loss * a history of whole brain radiation with persistent hair thinning or alopecia, or concurrent whole brain radiation therapy * exposure to other investigational agents, drugs, device or procedure that may cause hair loss * patients with female pattern baldness resembling picture i-3 or higher on the savin scale * any cutaneous scalp metastases * clinically significant liver dysfunction considered significant as determined by treating physician that would limit the patient's ability to administer the scalp cooling device * clinically significant renal dysfunction considered significant as determined by treating physician that would limit the patient's ability to administer the scalp cooling device * a history of persistent grade 2 (or higher) alopecia induced by prior chemotherapeutic regimens * evidence of untreated or poorly controlled hyper or hypothyroidism * american society of anesthesiologist class \>= 3 * any other condition that would, in the investigator's judgment, contraindicate the patient's participation in the clinical study due to safety concerns with clinical study procedures * pregnant or breastfeeding * prospective participants who, in the opinion of the investigator, may not be able to comply with all study procedures (including compliance issues related to feasibility/logistics)