Reishi Mushroom Extract for Fatigue and/or Arthralgias/Myalgias in Patients With Breast Cancer on Aromatase Inhibitors

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phasePhase 2
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexFemale
Age18+
SponsorMayo Clinic

About this trial

This phase II trial tests how well Reishi mushroom extract works in treating fatigue and/or joint/muscle pain (arthralgias/myalgias) in patients with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors. Fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias are common symptoms in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors (AI). Given the long duration of AI treatment for some women (up to 10 years), these symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and premature discontinuation of AIs, a beneficial medication. Reishi mushrooms are among several medicinal mushrooms that have been used for hundreds of years, mainly in Asian countries, to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. Reishi mushroom extracts have not been studied explicitly for treatment-induced arthralgias/myalgias, but have been shown to improve quality of life, muscular strength, pain, and flexibility. Information from this study may help researchers determine the effect of Reishi mushroom extract on fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias in breast cancer patients receiving an AI.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Age ≥ 18 years

History of breast cancer, estrogen receptor positive (ER+), Her 2 positive or negative

Fatigue ≥ 4/10

Currently post-menopausal (as defined by National Comprehensive Cancer Network (version 4.2024), taking any aromatase inhibitor in the curative setting and planning to be on such for at least 8 weeks after registration. [Patients on concurrent ovarian suppression (such as with leuprolide acetate, goserelin) are allowed]; CDK 4/6 inhibitors abemaciclib, ribociclib ARE allowed

Disqualifiers

Other known uncontrolled medical conditions causing fatigue such as untreated thyroid disease, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, infection, autoimmune disease, or active/untreated hepatitis

Allergy to mushrooms

On anticoagulation medication or aspirin or having a known bleeding disorder

On any specific medication for fatigue (e.g., methylphenidate)

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Mushroom Extract
  • Placebo Administration
  • Quality-of-Life Assessment
  • Questionnaire Administration

Treatment groups

80 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators