Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer are now prescribed aromatase inhibitors with 5 years or longer durations of therapy as recommended by clinical guidelines, which contributes to reducing breast cancer recurrence. However, aromatase inhibitors treatment is associated with a high incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), often described as symmetrical pain, soreness in the joints, musculoskeletal pain, and joint stiffness, which even leads to bone loss, osteoporosis, and fractures. MSS reduces patients' quality of life and compliance with aromatase inhibitors therapy in up to one-half of women undergoing adjuvant aromatase inhibitors therapy, potentially compromising breast cancer outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to monitor the musculoskeletal health of breast cancer patients during endocrine therapy to provide references for clinical practice.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
870
Routine care
School of Nursing, Fudan University
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China
RECRUITINGChanges in hand function
Measured with score for assessment and quantification of chronic rheumatic affections of the hands (SACRAH).
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
Changes in wrist function
Measured with Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ).
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
Changes in knee or hip joint function
Measured with Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
Grip strength
Measured with CAMRY EH101 electronic grip strength meter (Made in China).
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
Bone mineral density
Measured with Lunar iDXA (Made in China).
Time frame: Baseline, 12 months, and 24 months.
Depression and Anxiety
Measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4).
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
Medication adherence
Measured with self-reported medication adherence visual analogue scale (VAS).
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
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