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RecruitingInterventionalEarly Phase 1

An Open Label, Randomized, Waitlist Controlled Trial of Tart Cherry and Omega-3's for Aromatase Inhibitor Musculoskeletal Symptoms

NCT ID: NCT06123286Sponsor: Philip ChangLast updated: 2026-05-05

Summary

Both Tart Cherry and Omega 3 FAs have better side effect profiles compared to other commonly used medications for AIMSS, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, steroids, and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Additionally, in our clinics we often find that patients tend to be more receptive to taking a supplement as opposed to an additional medication. Further, both Tart Cherry concentrate and fish oil have beneficial properties for helping with joint stiffness in general, in addition to other health issues like insomnia. There is preliminary evidence in mouse models that when given together, these supplements may have an even greater anti-inflammatory effect than when taken separately14. Although to our knowledge, no human studies have tested this hypothesis. This study has been designed to test the hypothesis that Tart Cherry and fish oil when given in combination over a 12-week period could produce beneficial changes in joint function when compared to Tart Cherry or fish oil in isolation in an obese breast cancer population experiencing AIMSS. Secondary outcomes to be assessed include pain, functional performance, quality of life and cognition.

Arms & interventions

  • DrugTart Cherry

    1 ounce of Tart Cherry Concentrate (King Orchard) mixed with 8 ounces of water daily for 12 weeks

  • DrugOmega 3 FA (Fish Oil)

    2 capsules of Omega 3 FA (Fish Oil) (Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega) \[650 mg EPA and 450 mg DHA per capsule\] daily for 12 weeks

Outcome measures

Primary

  • The primary objective is to assess changes in joint function between groups.

    Changes in joint symptoms will be assessed via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The WOMAC Pain score ranges from 0% to 100% with higher scores indicating greater difficulty with activities of daily living.

    Time frame: 6 Months

Secondary

  • To assess changes in nociplastic pain between groups.

    Time frame: 6 Months

  • To assess changes in nociplastic pain between groups.

    Time frame: 6 Months

  • To assess changes in functional performance between groups.

    Time frame: 6 Months

  • To assess changes in quality of life between groups.

    Time frame: 6 Months

  • To assess changes in cognition between groups.

    Time frame: 6 Months

Eligibility criteria

Sex: FemaleAge: 18 Years and olderHealthy volunteers: No
Inclusion Criteria: * Breast cancer diagnosis (Stage I-III) with any hormonal status. * Females aged ≥ 18 years. * Currently receiving AI therapy. * BMI ≥ 27. * Clinical diagnosis of AIMSS. * Omega-3 Index \<8%. * Average joint pain score ≥ 4 on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) within 7 days of enrollment. * Written informed consent obtained from subject and ability and willingness of subject to comply with the requirements of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Current use of anticoagulant medications (Including but not limited to Warfarin, Lovenox, Eliquis, Xarelto). * Allergy to cherries or fish/fish products. * Lifetime history of rheumatoid arthritis and/or inflammatory joint diseases (Including but not limited to reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis). * Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus as determined by treating physician (with or without the use of glucose lowering medications and/or insulin). * Lifetime history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks. * New use or dose change of oral or topical analgesics in the previous 14 days. (Including but not limited to opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, SNRI's, SSRI's, gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, and muscle relaxants). * Oral or intra-articular steroid use in the previous 30 days (Including but not limited to dexamethasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, hydrocortisone). * History of joint fracture or surgery of the symptomatic joint in the previous 6 months.

Study locations (2)

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90048

Recruiting
Clinical Trial Recruitment Navigator · Contact
Philip Chang, MD · Principal Investigator
Arash Asher, MD · Sub Investigator

CS Cancer at the Hunt Cancer Center

Torrance, California, 90505

Not Yet Recruiting
David Chan, MD · Sub Investigator
Vanessa Dickey, MD · Sub Investigator
Hugo Hool, MD · Sub Investigator
Syed Jilani, MD · Sub Investigator
Thomas Lowe, MD · Sub Investigator
Swati Sikaria, MD · Sub Investigator
Tart Cherry and Omega-3's for Aromatase Inhibitor Musculoskeletal Symptoms | Cancerify