Innovations for cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions to combat chemotherapy-induced alopecia: a narrative systematic review

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) remains a distressing side effect of cancer treatment, affecting patients' quality of life and psychological well-being. Scalp cooling is a promising intervention to prevent hair loss, yet challenges related to cost, accessibility, and environmental impact limit its widespread adoption. This narrative systematic review analyzed 52 studies published between 2014 and 2024 on innovations in scalp cooling technologies, focusing on cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and accessibility for low-income cancer patients. Findings indicate that gel-based, cryogel, and silicone-based cooling caps offer practical, affordable alternatives to machine-operated systems, while biodegradable and recyclable materials enhance environmental sustainability. Additionally, solar-powered and reusable designs show potential for use in low-resource settings. Overall, evidence suggests that affordable and eco-friendly scalp cooling solutions can significantly improve equity in cancer care by making hair-preserving interventions more accessible and sustainable.