RecruitingEarly Phase 1

Tart Cherry and Omega-3's for Aromatase Inhibitor Musculoskeletal Symptoms

United States30 participantsStarted 2025-09-12

Plain-language summary

Both Tart Cherry and Omega 3 FAs have better side effect profiles compared to other commonly used medications for AIMSS, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, steroids, and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Additionally, in our clinics we often find that patients tend to be more receptive to taking a supplement as opposed to an additional medication. Further, both Tart Cherry concentrate and fish oil have beneficial properties for helping with joint stiffness in general, in addition to other health issues like insomnia. There is preliminary evidence in mouse models that when given together, these supplements may have an even greater anti-inflammatory effect than when taken separately14. Although to our knowledge, no human studies have tested this hypothesis. This study has been designed to test the hypothesis that Tart Cherry and fish oil when given in combination over a 12-week period could produce beneficial changes in joint function when compared to Tart Cherry or fish oil in isolation in an obese breast cancer population experiencing AIMSS. Secondary outcomes to be assessed include pain, functional performance, quality of life and cognition.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Breast cancer diagnosis (Stage I-III) with any hormonal status. * Females aged ≥ 18 years. * Currently receiving AI therapy. * BMI ≥ 27. * Clinical diagnosis of AIMSS. * Omega-3 Index \<8%. * Average joint pain score ≥ 4 on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) within 7 days of enrollment. * Written informed consent obtained from subject and ability and willingness of subject to comply with the requirements of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Current use of anticoagulant medications (Including but not limited to Warfarin, Lovenox, Eliquis, Xarelto). * Allergy to cherries or fish/fish products. * Lifetime history of rheumatoid arthritis and/or inflammatory joint diseases (Including but not limited to reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis). * Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus as determined by treating physician (with or without the use of glucose lowering medications and/or insulin). * Lifetime history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks. * New use or dose change of oral or topical analgesics in the previous 14 days. (Including but not limited to opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, SNRI's, SSRI's, gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, and muscle relaxants). * Oral or intra-articular steroid use in the previous 30 days (Including but not limited to dexamethasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, hydrocortisone). * History of joint fracture or surgery of the symptomatic joint in the prev…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The primary objective is to assess changes in joint function between groups.

Timeframe: 6 Months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06123286

SponsorPhilip Chang

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-10

Contact for this trial

Clinical Trial Navigator

3104232133 GroupCancerTrialInformation@cshs.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Breast Cancer trials