This phase II trial evaluates tamoxifen, with or without omega-3 fatty acids, for reducing risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal and overweight or obese women who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It works by blocking the effects of the hormone estrogen in the breast. Tamoxifen is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for prevention of breast cancer in women at increased risk. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease the amount of fats made in the liver. Omega-3 fatty acids may work to prevent cancer in overweight or obese individuals. Tamoxifen with or without omega-3 fatty acids may be effective at reducing risk of breast cancer among women who are postmenopausal, overweight or obese, and at increased risk.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. To investigate average change in serum adiponectin within the low dose tamoxifen (LDTAM) + high dose omega-3-acid ethyl esters (omega-3 fatty acids) arm. II. To study the beneficial effects of addition of high dose omega-3 fatty acids to LDTAM by comparing the relative difference in change in serum adiponectin in overweight and obese high-risk postmenopausal women randomized to 6 months of LDTAM or LDTAM + high dose omega-3 fatty acids. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine effect of LDTAM +/- high dose omega-3 fatty acids on insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretory function (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance \[HOMA-IR\], homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity \[HOMA%S\] homeostatic model assessment of beta cell function, \[HOMA%B\]), respectively. II. To determine effect of LDTAM +/- high dose omega-3 fatty acid on benign breast tissue estrogen response gene index (ERGI). EXPLANATORY OBJECTIVES: I. Effect of change in red blood cell (RBC) omega-3:omega-6 fatty acid ratio on within arm change in blood adiponectin. II. Effect of change in RBC omega-3:omega-6 fatty acid ratio on within arm change in tissue ERGI. III. Effect of baseline bioavailable estradiol on within arm change in blood adiponectin. IV. Effect of baseline and 6-month bioavailable estradiol on within arm change in tissue ERGI. V. Effect of 6-month tamoxifen active metabolites (endoxifen and 4-hydroxy \[4OH\] tamoxifen) on change in ERGI. VI. Effect of eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA) dietary intake as measured by DHA Food Frequency Questionnaire on RBC omega 3:6 fatty acid ratio change. EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES: I. Assess within arm effects of LDTAM +/- high dose omega-3 fatty acids on serum triglycerides. II. Assess within arm effects of LDTAM +/- high dose omega-3 fatty acids on adiponectin:leptin ratio. III. Assess within arm effects of LDTAM +/- high dose omega-3 fatty acids on anterior gradient protein 2 homolog (AGR2) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). IV. Assess within effects of LDTAM +/- high dose omega-3 fatty acids on forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) protein (immunohistochemistry \[IHC\]). V. Assess within arm effects of LDTAM +/- high dose omega-3 fatty acids on AGR2 protein (IHC). VI. Assess effects of LDTAM +/- high dose omega-3 fatty acids on Ki-67 (IHC) in individuals with \> 500 cells in baseline ThinPrep and measurable baseline Ki-67. OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 groups. GROUP 1: Participants receive tamoxifen by mouth (PO) once daily (QD) for 180 days in the absence of unacceptable toxicity. Participants may continue to receive tamoxifen PO QD for up to 60 additional days in the case of scheduling delays. Participants also undergo mammography at screening and undergo random periareolar fine needle aspiration (RPFNA) and collection of blood samples at screening and on study. GROUP 2: Participants receive tamoxifen PO QD and omega-3 fatty acids PO twice daily (BID) for 180 days in the absence of unacceptable toxicity. Participants may continue to receive tamoxifen PO QD and omega-3 fatty acids PO BID for up to 60 additional days in the case of scheduling delays. Participants also undergo mammography at screening and undergo RPFNA and collection of blood samples at screening and on study. After completion of study intervention, participants are followed up at 21-35 days.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
66
Undergo collection of blood samples
Undergo mammography
Given PO
Ancillary studies
Undergo RPFNA
Given PO
University of Kansas Cancer Center
Kansas City, Kansas, United States
RECRUITINGUniversity of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
RECRUITINGOhio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbus, Ohio, United States
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGChange in serum adiponectin
An analysis for difference between the two arms will be conducted to document a beneficial effect of addition of high dose omega-3 fatty acids to low dose tamoxifen. Paired and unpaired t-tests will be used.
Time frame: From baseline up to end of treatment (6 months)
Change in insulin resistance
Evaluated using Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance, as calculated using fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Paired and unpaired t-tests will be used. Spearman correlation between change in biomarkers will be estimated and compared across the study arms using Fisher's Z-transformed values.
Time frame: From baseline up to end of treatment (6 months)
Change in insulin sensitivity
Evaluated using Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Sensitivity. Paired and unpaired t-tests will be used. Spearman correlation between change in biomarkers will be estimated and compared across the study arms using Fisher's Z-transformed values.
Time frame: From baseline up to end of treatment (6 months)
Change in insulin secretory function
Evaluated using Homeostatic Model Assessment of Beta Cell Function. Paired and unpaired t-tests will be used. Spearman correlation between change in biomarkers will be estimated and compared across the study arms using Fisher's Z-transformed values.
Time frame: From baseline up to end of treatment (6 months)
Estrogen response gene index (ERGI)
The estrogen response gene index reflects change in gene expression over time. The genes assayed for this index are: ESR1 (codes for estrogen receptor alpha), ESR2 (codes for estrogen receptor beta), GREB1 (codes for growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1), PGR (codes for progesterone receptor) and TFF1 (also known as pS2, which codes for trefoil factor 1). The log2-transformed values of the ratio of relative abundance (6-month value: baseline value) for GREB1, PGR, TFF1, and the ratio of ESR1:ESR2 are averaged to produce the ERGI. Paired and unpaired t-tests will be used. Spearman correlation between change in biomarkers will be estimated and compared across the study arms using Fisher's Z-transformed values.
Time frame: From baseline up to end of treatment (6 months)
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