Abstract P2-12-01: Prospective Evaluation of Joint Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women Initiating Aromatase Inhibitors for Early Stage Breast Cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely prescribed to postmenopausal women for the adjuvant treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer (BC). However, musculoskeletal complaints can lead to nonadherence and early discontinuation. The aim of this study was to characterize the natural history of the AI-induced arthralgia syndrome and determine predictors of worsening symptoms. Methods: Postmenopausal women with stage I-III BC initiating adjuvant AI therapy were enrolled. All patients completed the following questionnaires at baseline and every 3 months for a year: Modified Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index and the Modified Assessment of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (M-SACRAH). Higher scores reflect worse symptoms. Quality of life was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Subscale (FACT-ES). Hand grip strength was measured at each visit with a Martin dynamometer. Paired t-tests were performed to compare follow-up evaluations to baseline. Linear Regression was performed to evaluate the association between baseline symptoms and change in symptoms. Results: A total of 169 patients have been consented, 3-month data is available on 102; 6-month data on 85. Median age: 63 (42–89); White/Black/Asian/Hispanic: 61.48/30.33/3.28/25.6; median BMI (kg/m2): 28 (12–50). Compared to baseline, there was a statistically significant increase in BPI pain severity and endocrine related symptoms on the FACT-ES at 3 and 6 months. Significant changes in the BPI pain interference, M-SACRAH pain and stiffness, WOMAC function, physical well-being on the FACT-ES, trial outcome index and pinch grip strength were seen at 3 months; however these changes did not remain significant at 6 months. Logistic regression models evaluating predictors of patient reported outcome measures and grip strength were performed. Baseline score was the strongest predictor of worsening symptoms (p < 0.01) after correcting for age, prior chemotherapy and baseline joint conditions. Conclusions: Treatment with adjuvant AI therapy is associated with significant worsening of joint pain and stiffness which is most prominent at the 3 months evaluation. Patients with baseline joint symptoms are at greatest risk for worsening symptoms on AIs. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-12-01.