Hot flashes can severely affect quality of life for patients undergoing hormone deprivation therapy for cancer and for postmenopausal women. Current pharmaceutical treatments often bring serious risks, leaving many searching for safer alternatives. This trial tested whether the KÜLKUF wrist cooling device could reduce hot flash intensity and frequency. The device delivers a controlled cooling sensation to the wrist, lowering the temperature to 47°F, while the sham comparison device only provided airflow without cooling.
A total of 27 participants were enrolled, where 10 were breast cancer patients, 12 were prostate cancer patients, and 5 were postmenopausal women. All experienced at least 2 moderate-to-severe hot flashes daily. After 2 weeks of baseline tracking, the participants were randomized to use either the active or sham device for 2 weeks before switching to the alternative device. Throughout the 6-week period, hot flash episodes were recorded in standardized daily diaries.
When compared with baseline, the active cooling device reduced severe hot flashes by 46%. Total daily hot flashes also declined by 18%, which highlighted not only fewer episodes but, more importantly, less intensity. The breast cancer patients saw a 41% drop in severe hot flashes, prostate cancer patients experienced a 50% reduction and postmenopausal women also reported a 50% reduction.
Statistical analysis confirmed these effects were significant, even after accounting for age and underlying conditions (p<0.01). Also, no adverse events were reported, and every participant completed the study which illuminated the safety and tolerability of the device.
Hot flashes are a common side effect of hormone-blocking therapies for breast and prostate cancer, as well as a hallmark symptom of menopause. For many patients, the symptoms disrupt sleep, concentration, and overall well-being. By offering symptom relief without systemic side effects, targeted wrist cooling could represent a meaningful step forward.
The perfect retention rate of this trial suggested that the participants not only tolerated the device but also found it acceptable as part of their daily routine. Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the findings and establish guidelines for broader clinical use. Overall, the findings positions wrist cooling as a safe, promising strategy for managing vasomotor symptoms in vulnerable populations.
Source:
Uçar, N., Shirvani, A., & Holick, M. F. (2025). Peripheral thermoregulatory modulation for hot flash management: Efficacy of novel wrist cooling device in cancer treatment-induced and menopausal vasomotor symptoms. AACE Endocrinology and Diabetes. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aed.2025.09.006
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