Chemotherapy-induced hair loss, also known as alopecia, affects up to 65% of patients and remains one of the most visible and emotionally challenging side effects of cancer treatment. Beyond its physical impact, hair loss is closely linked to reduced confidence, psychological distress, and, in some cases, decisions around treatment continuation.
Scalp cooling is currently the only clinically approved method to help prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss. By lowering the temperature of the scalp during treatment, it reduces the exposure of hair follicles to chemotherapy drugs. While effective for many patients, the approach has significant limitations. Many individuals experience headaches, scalp pain, and intense cold sensations, particularly during the initial stages of treatment, leading some to discontinue early. It may also be less effective for certain modern treatments, where drug exposure persists beyond the cooling period.
New research targets comfort and effectiveness
Dr Ana-Maria Totea, Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Science and Programme Leader for Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Greenwich, has been awarded a £125,000 Springboard Award from the Academy of Medical Sciences to address these challenges. Building on a formulation she previously developed, the research focuses on optimising a drug delivery system applied directly to the scalp to protect hair follicles from chemotherapy-induced damage while reducing the discomfort associated with cooling. The formulation works inside a scalp cooling cap worn during chemotherapy.
The work combines formulation optimisation with laboratory-based evaluation using advanced analytical techniques and studies conducted on tissues, organs, and cells outside the body to assess follicular delivery, safety, and overall performance. The research will also involve collaboration with Paxman Scalp Cooling, a global leader in scalp cooling technology, building on prior work between Dr Totea and the company.
Pathway to clinical practice
The research has a clear translational pathway towards real-world application, with the longer-term goal of integration into clinical practice. Even modest improvements in comfort and adherence could meaningfully reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss across patient populations, translating into greater confidence, reduced distress, and an improved overall experience for patients during treatment. The project reflects a broader focus within oncology on supportive care innovations, ensuring patients are better supported throughout their treatment journey.
Significance of the award
Dr Totea said: “Receiving the Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award is a significant milestone for both me and the University of Greenwich. It is a highly competitive scheme, and I am delighted to have received this award. For me, it provides an opportunity to further develop and strengthen my independent research group, building on work focused on improving supportive care in oncology, with the aim of making a meaningful difference to patients undergoing treatment. In addition to the research funding, the award also provides valuable support for career development moving forward.
“This award is also a significant achievement for the university. It reflects the growing strength of research in pharmaceutical science and the university’s commitment to delivering innovative, impactful work that addresses real-world healthcare challenges — not only by treating disease, but also by improving patient experience and quality of life.”
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “To tackle cruel diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and chronic pain, and ultimately save lives, we must help researchers to take their ambitious discovery-stage work to the next level. This support is backing researchers at a stage where attracting commercial investment can be a challenge and builds on the Government’s record investment in research, unlocking more discoveries that benefit people across the UK and beyond.”
About the funding programme
The Academy of Medical Sciences is the independent, expert voice of biomedical and health research in the UK. Its Springboard programme supports curiosity-driven, discovery-stage research and helps early career researchers take their first steps as independent group leaders. The University of Greenwich was funded by the programme for the first time this year, as part of a wider £6.7 million investment by the Academy in 55 early career researchers across 38 UK institutions, announced in April 2026.
Scalp cooling research continues to gain attention in the UK and internationally, with studies showing benefits in hair preservation for breast cancer patients receiving taxane or anthracycline regimens. Patient-reported outcomes often emphasise not only reduced hair loss but also improved quality of life during chemotherapy.