Ascension Saint Agnes Launched Scalp-Cooling Program
The Baltimore hospital introduced new technology in 2025 to help chemotherapy patients mitigate hair loss.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cancer
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Would you choose to use scalp-cooling therapy to mitigate hair loss during chemotherapy treatment?
In 2025, Ascension Saint Agnes in Baltimore launched a scalp-cooling therapy program to help patients undergoing chemotherapy. The hospital-based initiative aims to reduce the side effect of hair loss during cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Chemotherapy drugs often damage hair follicles, leading to significant hair loss, which can be a distressing experience for patients. This cooling system offers a way to manage this specific side effect while patients undergo their necessary medical treatments.
The scalp-cooling program has served more than 12 patients since its launch. One patient, Melinda Fletcher, reported losing approximately 70% of her hair despite utilizing the cooling technology during her treatment.
The players
Ascension Saint Agnes
This is a hospital located in Baltimore, Maryland, that provides medical services including specialized oncology and chemotherapy care.
Melinda Fletcher
A resident of Elkridge who was the first patient to use the scalp-cooling therapy at Ascension Saint Agnes after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Suman Rao
A medical professional who expects that insurance coverage for the scalp-cooling therapy will expand in the future.
The details
The therapy functions by circulating cold water through a specialized cap worn by the patient, which constricts blood vessels to limit the chemotherapy drugs reaching hair follicles. This physical intervention is intended to minimize the extent of hair loss during the course of a chemotherapy regimen.
Timeline
Melinda Fletcher received a breast cancer diagnosis in March 2025.
Ascension Saint Agnes launched the scalp-cooling program in 2025.
Health Landscape
The adoption of scalp-cooling technology at Baltimore facilities mirrors the broader trend of integrating supportive care measures into oncology practices. By offering these systems, hospitals are shifting focus toward mitigating the physical and psychological toll of standard chemotherapy regimens.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy in Baltimore may now consult their oncology team at Ascension Saint Agnes to see if this therapy is a viable option for their care plan. While the technology aims to reduce hair loss, patients should be aware of potential cost implications and the current status of insurance coverage.
The takeaway
Scalp-cooling therapy is becoming a more common support option for patients seeking to manage the aesthetic impact of chemotherapy. Patients should discuss the success rates and potential side effects of this cooling technology with their doctors before starting a new treatment cycle.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Cancer treatment at our dedicated hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMAR.
Live Poll
Would you choose to use scalp-cooling therapy to mitigate hair loss during chemotherapy treatment?
