Using Reishi mushroom extract to treat fatigue and pain in breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This phase II trial evaluates the effectiveness of Reishi mushroom extract in alleviating fatigue and joint/muscle pain in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who are undergoing treatment with aromatase inhibitors. Participants will be randomized into two groups, receiving either the mushroom extract or a placebo for four weeks, followed by a crossover period. The study aims to measure improvements in fatigue, pain, quality of life, and mood, while also monitoring any treatment-related side effects. The findings may provide insights into the potential benefits of integrative treatments for cancer-related symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* History of breast cancer, estrogen receptor positive (ER+), Her 2 positive or negative
* Fatigue ≥ 4/10
* Currently post-menopausal (as defined by National Comprehensive Cancer Network (version 4.2024), taking any aromatase inhibitor in the curative setting and planning to be on such for at least 8 weeks after registration. \[Patients on concurrent ovarian suppression (such as with leuprolide acetate, goserelin) are allowed\]; CDK 4/6 inhibitors abemaciclib, ribociclib ARE allowed
* Prior treatment: last chemotherapy ≥ 90 days prior to randomization (if treated with chemotherapy)
* On a stable dose of pain medications if pain medications are being regularly used. (i.e., no change in dosage in the past 30 days)
* If on supplements, must be on stable dose with no plan to change; not on or planning any acupuncture or other specific supportive modalities for fatigue or AI arthralgias
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 0, 1 or 2
* White blood cell count (WBC) ≥ 3,000/mm\^3 (obtained ≤ 30 days prior to randomization)
* Hemoglobin ≥ 10 g/dL (obtained ≤ 30 days prior to randomization)
* Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm\^3 (obtained ≤ 30 days prior to randomization)
* Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) (obtained ≤ 30 days prior to randomization)
* Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate transaminase (AST) ≤ 1.2 x ULN (obtained ≤ 30 days prior to randomization)
* Prothrombin time (PT)/activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ≤ 1.5 x ULN (obtained ≤ 30 days prior to randomization)
* Negative pregnancy test done ≤ 7 days prior to registration, for persons on concurrent ovarian suppression only
* Provide informed consent
* Ability to complete questionnaires
* Willing to return to enrolling institution during the active monitoring phase of the study
* Patients who have had a recent surgery or procedure should be healed and cleared by their clinician and/or surgeon per local standards, prior to registration

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other known uncontrolled medical conditions causing fatigue such as untreated thyroid disease, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, infection, autoimmune disease, or active/untreated hepatitis
* Allergy to mushrooms
* On anticoagulation medication or aspirin or having a known bleeding disorder
* On any specific medication for fatigue (e.g., methylphenidate)
* Metastatic cancer diagnosis (history of nodal metastases is allowed)
* Chronic steroid use, unless on physiologic replacement doses
* Current use of any medical mushrooms
* On medications for diabetes
* History of symptomatic hypotension
* Taking CYP3A4, CYP2D6 sensitive substrates which can be located at the following link: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-interactions-labeling/healthcare-professionals-fdas-examples-drugs-interact-cyp-enzymes-and-transporter-systems
* Drugs which exhibit either \>20% inhibition or \>20% induction of CYP2E1 in vivo, such as: Acetaminophen, Dapsone, Enflurane, Halothane, Isoflurane, \& Theophylline
* Taking olaparib
* Any of the following because this study involves an agent that has unknown genotoxic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects:

  * Pregnant persons
  * Nursing persons
  * Persons on concurrent ovarian suppression who are unwilling to employ adequate contraception (e.g., hormonal methods, barrier methods, intrauterine device, abstinence)
* Planned surgery or procedure during time on study and ≤ 14 days after last dose, due to bleeding risks

Where it's running

• Mayo Clinic in Rochester
  Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
• Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea
  Albert Lea, Minnesota, United States Active not recruiting
• Essentia Health Baxter Clinic
  Baxter, Minnesota, United States Active not recruiting
• Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center
  Bemidji, Minnesota, United States Active not recruiting
• Essentia Health Saint Joseph's Medical Center
  Brainerd, Minnesota, United States Active not recruiting
• Essentia Health Deer River Clinic
  Deer River, Minnesota, United States Active not recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Stacy D. D'Andre, MD — Mayo Clinic in Rochester
• Study coordinator: Clinical Trials Referral Office
• Email: mayocliniccancerstudies@mayo.edu
• Phone: 855-776-0015

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.