In women at risk for breast cancer, the incidence of CTS was elevated in those receiving anastrozole versus placebo, but the need for surgery or discontinuation of treatment was minimal.
The use of aromatase inhibitors has long been associated with musculoskeletal complaints and loss of bone density. To find out whether these agents also cause carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), investigators conducted an exploratory analysis of the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study II (IBIS-II; Lancet 2014; 383:1041), a randomized, double-blind trial of 3864 women at increased risk for breast cancer who were randomized to receive anastrozole or placebo for 5 years.
Of 3864 patients in the trial, 96 had CTS symptoms, described as needle pricks, burning, or tingling, usually with weakness or pain in the forearm, elbow, or shoulder. Patients receiving anastrozole were more likely than those receiving placebo to have CTS symptoms (3.4% v…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardLilly; AstraZeneca; Gilead
Grant/Research SupportBreast Cancer Research Foundation
Editorial BoardsClinical Breast Cancer; Oncology; Annals of Surgery; Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network (Chair, Breast Cancer Panel); American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology Board)
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardLilly; AstraZeneca; Gilead
Grant/Research SupportBreast Cancer Research Foundation
Editorial BoardsClinical Breast Cancer; Oncology; Annals of Surgery; Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network (Chair, Breast Cancer Panel); American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology Board)