Omega-3 fatty acids for aromatase inhibitor–induced musculoskeletal symptoms in women with early-stage breast cancer (SWOG S0927).

9532 Background: Musculoskeletal symptoms are the most common side effect of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and can result in decreased quality of life and discontinuation of therapy. Omega-3-fatty acids (O3-FAs) have anti-inflammatory effects and can be effective in decreasing arthralgias from rheumatologic conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids are used by 25% of breast cancer survivors. Methods: Women with early-stage breast cancer, taking an AI for ≥90 days and who had a worst pain/stiffness score of ≥5 of 10 using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-WP) were randomized to receive either 3.3 grams of O3-FAs or placebo (soybean/corn oil) daily for 12 weeks. Subjects completed quality of life (FACT-ES) and pain assessment (WOMAC, M-SACRAH) at baseline, weeks 6, 12 and 24. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the difference in BPI-WP (primary outcome) between the two groups. Clinically significant change was defined as ≥2-point drop from baseline. Results: Among 262 patients registered, 249 were considered eval...