Comparing solifenacin and clonidine for treating hot flashes in breast cancer patients

A Phase II Randomized Study of Solifenacin Compared to Clonidine for Reducing Hot Flashes Among Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy

Phase 2 Interventional University of Arkansas · NCT01530373

This study tests whether solifenacin can help reduce hot flashes in women with breast cancer undergoing hormonal therapy, comparing it to clonidine to see which works better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Arkansas Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsimatinib, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Trial IDNCT01530373 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of solifenacin, a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, in reducing hot flashes among women with breast cancer who are undergoing hormonal therapy. It compares the safety and efficacy of solifenacin to clonidine, a medication commonly used for hot flashes. Participants will receive either treatment for three weeks, and their hot flash frequency will be monitored. The study aims to provide new insights into managing this common side effect of breast cancer treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older with a history of invasive breast cancer or DCIS, currently taking aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen, and experiencing frequent hot flashes.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving other treatments for hot flashes or those with severe renal or hepatic impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a new treatment option for breast cancer patients suffering from debilitating hot flashes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing interest in managing hot flashes in breast cancer patients, this specific comparison of solifenacin and clonidine is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women with a history of invasive breast cancer or DCIS
* Currently taking aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen
* Not receiving hormone replacement therapy for minimum of one month
* Age 18 years or older
* Self-reported hot flashes at least fourteen times per week
* Self-reported hot flashes for at least one month
* If receiving non-tricyclic antidepressants (venlafaxine, paroxetine, citalopram, sertraline, etc.) or gabapentin, no change in regimen in past 4 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Receiving any other treatment for hot flashes within the past month, including estrogens, progestins, androgens, or gabapentin.
* Current use of clonidine or solifenacin. (If patients have been off of these for one month, then they are eligible)
* History of severe renal or moderate or severe hepatic impairment, as indicated by physical exam and medical record
* Concurrent or planned chemotherapy or radiotherapy (within next 3 months)
* Currently receiving tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, barbiturates, pimozide.
* Currently using CYP3A4 inducers (i.e., aminoglutethimide, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, efavirenz, ethosuximide, griseofulvin, modafinil, nafcillin, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, primidone, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, St. John's Wort, sulfadimidine, sulfinpyrazone, troglitazone) or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (i.e., chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin, imatinib mesylate, indinavir sulfate, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazoldone, nelfinavir mesylate, ritonavir, telithromycin, troleandomycin).
* Uncontrolled or poorly controlled narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, gastric retention (evaluated from history \& physical exam and medical record)
* Hypotension or uncontrolled hypertension (160/95 \> BP \< 100/60)
* Severe coronary insufficiency, conduction disturbances, recent myocardial infarction (within past 3 months), cerebrovascular disease, syncope (evaluated from history \& physical and medical record)
* History of allergy or adverse reactions to clonidine or solifenacin
* ECOG status \> 2 (in bed more than 50% of day)

Where this trial is running

Little Rock, Arkansas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hot FlashesBreast Cancerhot flashesbreast canceraromatase inhibitorssolifenacinclonidinequality of life
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.