Preventing Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgias Among Non-Hispanic Black Postmenopausal Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Summary

This clinical trial evaluates if in-person acupuncture or virtual acupressure therapy prevents aromatase inhibitor-associated joint pain in Non-Hispanic Black postmenopausal women with stage I-III (early-stage) hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are medications that prevent the formation of the hormone estrogen. They are used in the treatment of postmenopausal women who have hormone-dependent breast cancer. AI therapy prolongs life among patients with early-stage HR+ breast cancer. Many postmenopausal women stop AI therapy early due to debilitating joint pain (arthralgias). Non-Hispanic Black women are more likely to experience side effects and stop their hormonal therapy compared to Non-Hispanic white women. Acupuncture therapy involves inserting thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body to control pain. Acupressure therapy uses the application of pressure or localized massage to specific sites on the body to control symptoms such as pain. Acupuncture and acupressure are types of complementary and alternative medicine. Undergoing in-person acupuncture or participating in virtual acupressure may prevent AI-associated arthralgias (AIAA) in Non-Hispanic Black postmenopausal women with early-stage HR+ breast cancer.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

Female

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Procedure
  Acupressure Therapy

  Undergo self-administered acupressure therapy to planned pressure points

• Device
  Acupuncture Therapy

  Undergo acupuncture therapy with acupuncture needles applied to planned pressure points

• Drug
  Aromatase Inhibition Therapy

  Receive SOC AI therapy

• Other
  Discussion

  Ancillary studies

• Other
  Survey Administration

  Ancillary studies

Locations (4)