Letrozole treatment for uterine fibroids
Official title: Letrozole for Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Run by University of California, San Francisco · NCT06143631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if letrozole, a drug usually used for breast cancer, can help women with uterine fibroids feel better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 21 Years to 53 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | denosumab |
| Locations | 5 sites (Los Angeles, California and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 24, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 11, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 11, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06143631 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are premenopausal women aged 21 to 54 with diagnosed uterine leiomyomas and moderate to severe symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have uterine leiomyomas or those with mild symptoms may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of letrozole, a medication typically used for breast cancer, in treating symptoms associated with uterine leiomyomas (fibroids). It is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study that compares the effects of letrozole against a placebo on symptom relief and quality of life for women suffering from these conditions. Participants will be monitored for changes in leiomyoma size and associated symptoms over the course of the trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for women suffering from uterine fibroids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using hormonal treatments for fibroids, but this specific approach with letrozole is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * At least 21 and less than 54 years of age (to focus on an adult, premenopausal population) * Female sex, based on sex identified on their birth certificate (no other gender requirements) * Have uterine leiomyomata that have been visualized on pelvic imaging (i.e., ultrasound or MRI) in the last 24 months * Report symptoms associated with leiomyomata such as heavy uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure or discomfort, urinary or bowel abnormalities, or dyspareunia for the past 3 months * Have at least moderate leiomyomata symptom burden, with UFS-QOL SSS score of 30 or higher at baseline * Has had a menstrual period in the past 3 months (90 days) * Agree to use a non-hormonal or barrier method of contraception with any sexual activity with a non-sterile male partner during the study period (i.e., use of copper IUD is consistent with eligibility) Exclusion Criteria: * Screening pelvic imaging indicating any leiomyomata ≥10 cm in maximum diameter, or uterine size ≥16 cm in length (equivalent to 16 weeks gestation)-note that candidates who exclusively have prior clinical pelvic imaging 12-24 months ago will be excluded if imaging includes leiomyomata ≥9 cm in maximum diameter, or uterine size ≥15 cm in length, presuming leiomyoma growth of ≥1 cm per year * Screening pelvic imaging indicating only one, sole leiomyoma \<2 cm in maximum diameter * Any submucosal leiomyoma that is \>50% within uterine cavity (FIGO Type 0 or Type 1 leiomyomata) * Visit to the emergency room or hospitalization for leiomyoma symptoms in the last 12 weeks * Leiomyomata treated by surgery, radiologic procedure in the last 12 weeks; or plans to undergo any of the above in the next 24 weeks * Leiomyomata treated by GRNH agonist or antagonist in the last 12 weeks (if injected) or in the last 4 weeks (if oral); or plans to use the above in the next 24 weeks * Currently pregnant or lactating, pregnant or lactating in the past 12 weeks, or planning to become pregnant in the next 24 weeks * Screening serum hemoglobin \<8 g/dL, or history of blood transfusion in the last 12 weeks (indicating severe anemia) * Screening cholesterol lipid panel testing showing LDL cholesterol level ≥ 190 mg/dL (due to rare side effects over long-term use of aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal women) * Screening serum estradiol level \<30 pg/mL (consistent with postmenopausal status) * For women aged 45 years or older only: irregular menstrual cycles (menstrual cycles \<21 days or \>38 days between periods), prolonged menstrual bleeding (bleeding \>14 days), or bleeding in between menstrual periods, unless already evaluated by a clinician to discuss endometrial biopsy (uterine biopsy) to rule out endometrial hyperplasia. * History of osteoporosis (based on self-reported DEXA indicating bone mineral density Z-score \< -2.0 at spine, total hip, or femoral neck; a prior fracture judged to be a fragility fracture; or self-reported use of bisphosphonates, calcitonin, calcitriol, ipriflavone, teriparatide, or denosumab for bone density loss) * History of severe liver disease (Child Pugh Class C cirrhosis), posing safety risks for use of letrozole * Current or prior history of breast cancer (given potential need to take letrozole for breast cancer treatment or secondary prevention) * Screening pelvic imaging indicating an Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) category 3, 4, or 5 ovarian or adnexal lesion * Screening pelvic imaging concerning for other current cancer of the gynecologic, genitourinary or gastrointestinal system * Prior hypersensitivity or significant adverse reaction to letrozole or any aromatase inhibitor, or to an ingredient in the placebo capsule * Use of letrozole, other aromatase inhibitor, or selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) medications in the past 4 weeks, or existing plans to initiate one of these in the next 24 weeks * Use of oral, vaginal, or topical exogenous estrogen, progestin, or androgen therapy in the past 4 weeks; or injectable forms of the above in the past 12 weeks; or plans to initiate any of the above in the next 24 weeks * Use of medications with potential unsafe interactions with letrozole in the past 4 weeks (methadone, levomethadone, nintedanib, thalidomide), or plans to initiate these in the next 24 weeks * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with ability to complete study procedures, including acute or uncontrolled mental health condition, substance abuse, or inability to complete procedures in English (or Spanish, for sites that offer study assessments in Spanish)
Where it's running
-
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting -
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting -
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting -
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, Mississippi, United States Recruiting -
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vanessa Jacoby, MD, MAS — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: plumstudy@ucsf.edu
- Phone: (510) 788-0545
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.