Erschienen in:
03.11.2017 | Clinical trial
Randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial of omega 3 fatty acids for prevention of aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal pain
verfasst von:
Maryam B. Lustberg, Tonya S. Orchard, Raquel Reinbolt, Rebecca Andridge, Xueliang Pan, Martha Belury, Rachel Cole, Amanda Logan, Rachel Layman, Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy, Robert Wesolowski, Michael Berger, Elaine Patterson, Charles Loprinzi, Charles L. Shapiro, Lisa Yee
Erschienen in:
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
|
Ausgabe 3/2018
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Abstract
Purpose
Aromatase inhibitor (AI)-induced joint symptoms negatively impact drug adherence and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Mechanisms underlying symptoms may include inflammation. It is hypothesized that n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce symptoms.
Methods
We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing 4.3 g/day n − 3 PUFA supplements vs placebo for 24 weeks in postmenopausal breast cancer patients starting adjuvant AIs. Primary endpoints were adherence and tolerability; secondary outcomes included inflammatory cytokines and symptoms assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory short form (BPI-SF) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Endocrine Symptoms (FACT-ES) at 0, 12, and 24 weeks.
Results
Forty-four women were randomized, of which 35 completed the study. Adherence was ≥ 88% based on these 35 patients with pill counts as well as change in red blood cell (RBC) n − 3 PUFAs. Common toxicities included grade 1 flatulence (55% of both groups) and belching (45% of n − 3 group). Mean pain severity scores (BPI-SF) did not change significantly by time or treatment arm. Quality of life, based on FACT-ES scores, significantly decreased within placebo (p = 0.04), but not the n − 3 group (p = 0.58), with a trend toward between-group differences (p = 0.06) at 12 weeks, but no significant differences at 24 weeks. RBC n − 3 levels were strongly positively correlated with FACT-ES at 12 weeks, but attenuated at 24 weeks.
Conclusion
High-dose n − 3 PUFA supplementation is feasible and well tolerated when administered with AIs. Additional studies are needed to evaluate efficacy in prevention of joint symptoms.