Reishi Mushroom Extract for Fatigue and/or Arthralgias/Myalgias in Patients With Breast Cancer on Aromatase Inhibitors
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2025-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
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.