CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
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Qatar / Health

Pioneering technology improves quality of life for cancer patients

Published: 02 Jul 2023 - 08:47 am | Last Updated: 02 Jul 2023 - 08:49 am
Peninsula

Fazeena Saleem | The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)’s National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) has significantly improved cancer patients’ comfort and quality of life by introducing a pioneering scalp cooling technology.

Paxman scalp cooling technology - a state-of-the-art system - is a breakthrough in cancer care, as it helps minimise hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.

Introducing Paxman scalp cooling technology to NCCCR is considered a significant step forward for cancer patients in Qatar. This innovative technology will provide a much-needed boost to patients’ self-esteem during difficult times and is a testament to NCCCR’s commitment to providing the best possible healthcare to the people of Qatar.

“NCCCR is prioritising patients’ physical well-being and addressing their emotional and psychological needs. This cutting-edge technology is valuable to NCCCR’s advanced treatment options, further establishing its position as a leading cancer care centre,” Medical Director of NCCCR, Dr Mohammed Salim Al Hassan said in the latest edition of the newsletter ‘News and Views’.

Paxman is a clinically proven scalp cooling system that helps tens of thousands of cancer patients in more than 60 countries worldwide retain their hair during chemotherapy every year.

Paxman scalp cooling technology works by reducing the temperature of the scalp, which in turn reduces blood flow to the hair follicles. This process makes it more difficult for chemotherapy drugs to reach and damage the hair follicles, resulting in less hair loss. In addition, the technology is effective in clinical trials, with over 50% of patients experiencing minimal to no hair loss during their chemotherapy treatment.

“With the sponsorship of Sedeer Medical, this needed equipment is now available in the NCCCR day care unit, so our patients can access this cutting-edge technology,” said Chair of Medical Oncology and Palliative Care Medicine/ Clinical Lead of Breast Cancer, Dr. Salha Bujassoum.

She also emphasised that the mission of NCCCR as a healthcare provider is to bring the latest innovations in healthcare to the people of Qatar.

“Introducing Paxman scalp cooling technology to NCCCR is a significant step forward for cancer patients in Qatar. This innovative technology will boost patients’ self-esteem during difficult times and is a testament to NCCCR’s commitment to providing the best possible healthcare to the people of Qatar,” said Dr. Bujassoum.

To mention breast cancer ranked first amongst all new cases of female malignant cancers with an incidence of 39.41%.  However, the breast cancer survival rate in Qatar has touched the remarkable level of 82 percent because of high standards of diagnosis and treatment methods; the survival rate is also considered higher than in other countries, according to the Qatar cancer registry statistics.