Effect of Aromatase Inhibitors on Blood Sugar Levels in Breast Cancer Patients

Impact of Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy on Glucose Homeostasis and Diabetes Risk

Observational Mayo Clinic · NCT06557057

This study is testing how a breast cancer treatment called aromatase inhibitors affects blood sugar levels in post-menopausal women compared to those on a different treatment and healthy women.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment66 (estimated)
SexFemale
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06557057 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates how aromatase inhibitor therapy affects glucose metabolism in post-menopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. It compares glucose homeostasis indices among women undergoing this treatment to those on tamoxifen and healthy post-menopausal women. Participants will undergo blood sample collection, glucose testing, body composition measurement via DEXA scan, and complete a questionnaire while their medical records are reviewed. The study aims to provide insights into the diabetes risk associated with hormone-directed breast cancer therapies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include post-menopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer who are starting or have recently started aromatase inhibitor therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with an established diagnosis of diabetes or those on medications affecting glucose metabolism may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify diabetes risk factors in breast cancer patients undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy, leading to better management strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the effects of cancer therapies on metabolic health, but this specific focus on aromatase inhibitors and glucose homeostasis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Post-menopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or with other high risk breast conditions. Post-menopause will be defined as women who experience 12 months of amenorrhea or have undergone bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

  * 25 women who are planning to start or are within 6 months of starting treatment with aromatase inhibitors, after consultation in breast clinic and cancer center.
  * 25 women who will be starting Tamoxifen (comparative group)
  * 25 healthy post menopausal women will also be recruited.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Established diagnosis of diabetes
* Therapy with medications that could affect glucose metabolism
* Screening fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl, and/or HbA1c ≥ 6.5%
* History of upper GI surgery that alters gastric emptying or causing malabsorption e.g., bariatric surgery, fundoplication

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

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 HER2-Positive Breast Carcinoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.