Tai Chi for Reducing Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia
Sponsored by Thomas Jefferson University
About this study
The objective of the pilot RCT is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a Tai Chi intervention "TaiChi4Joint" vs. an HE AC group for relieving AIIA in women with hormone receptor positive stage I-III BCa. The investigators will pilot test our data collection for mechanism measures via three innovatively integrated biobehavioral pathways.
40 patients from Thomas Jefferson University with a diagnosis of stage I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who are postmenopausal, currently receiving an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane) or within 5 years of initiation, report joint pain that started or worsened after initiation of AI therapy, and report worst pain in the past week of ≥3 on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) 0-10 scale, indicating at least moderate pain. Eligible participants must be able to complete study procedures in English, be willing to be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or attention control group, and adhere to study procedures. Participants will be excluded if they are currently engaged in regular structured moderate- or vigorous-intensity exercise totaling ≥150 minute…
Where this study is enrolling
- I'm interested
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Who can participate
Inclusion criteria
- ✓Individuals must meet all the following inclusion criteria in order to be eligible to participate in the study:
- ✓Age ≥18 years
- ✓Diagnosis of stage I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
- ✓Postmenopausal
- ✓Currently receiving an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane) or within 5 years of initiation
- ✓Report joint pain that started or worsened after initiation of AI therapy
- ✓Report worst pain in the past week ≥3 on the BPI (0-10 scale)
- ✓Able to complete study procedures in English
- ✓Willing to be randomized to an intervention or attention control group and adhere to study procedures
Exclusion criteria
- ✕An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- ✕Undergoing active cancer treatment (excluding endocrine therapy)
- ✕Uncontrolled cardiac or pulmonary disease that would limit safe participation
- ✕Currently engaged in regular structured moderate- or vigorous-intensity exercise (e.g., brisk walking, jogging/running, cycling, swimming, aerobic classes, or resistance training) totaling ≥150 minutes per week over the past 3 months
- ✕Currently participating in Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, or other structured mind-body practice ≥2 times per week over the past 3 months
- ✕Joint pain due to inflammatory arthritic conditions
- ✕Recent surgery or joint injection within the past 4-6 weeks
- ✕Initiation or dose change of corticosteroids or opioids within the past 4 weeks
- ✕Planned discontinuation of AI therapy within the next 6 months
- ✕This study is limited to women with breast cancer, as \<1% of cases occur in men and data on AIIA in male patients are limited
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Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.