Aromatase Inhibitors and Arthralgias

Characterizing the joint pain associated with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer

Adjuvant use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) extends disease-free survival and is considered to be safe for postmenopausal women with early-stage, hormone-receptor–positive breast cancer; however, in clinical trials, musculoskeletal pain has occurred more often with AIs than with tamoxifen or placebo. In a small prospective study conducted in Belgium, investigators enrolled postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer who were scheduled to start adjuvant therapy with either an AI or tamoxifen. Seventeen women (12 who received AIs [mean age, 68] and 5 who received tamoxifen [mean age, 59]) participated. At baseline and at 6 months, participants were queried about rheumatologic symptoms (morning stiffness, joint pain, limitation of movem…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Aromatase Inhibitors and Arthralgias

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Reviewing Author