Current Projects

Project Title Omega-3 Fatty Acid Study and the Glucosamine and Chondroitin Study

Researcher Dawn Hershman, MD

Study Summary The research team is conducting two studies. One is investigating the effectiveness of Omega-3 fatty acid. The other is investigating the effectiveness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Both studies are assessing whether a dietary supplement can reduce the joint pain and stiffness associated with the aromatase inhibitors used to treat breast cancer.

Who Can Participate? You can join either the Omega-3 fatty acid or the Glucosamine and Chondroitin Study if you match ALL of these MAIN categories:

• You were diagnosed with stage, I, II, or IIIA hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (non-metastatic)

• You have been taking an aromatase inhibitor for at least 3 months (these drugs include Arimidex, Femara, and Aromasin)

• You have joint pain/stiffness in your knees and/or hands that worsened after starting an Aromatase inhibitor

• You are a postmenopausal woman

• You live near Columbia University in New York, NY

• You understand that you or your insurance company will be responsible for the cost of the blood tests required to determine if you are eligible for the study.

The researcher may ask you additional questions to be sure that this study is a right fit for you.

What Does Participation Involve? If you choose to sign up, the researcher will contact you to discuss whether the Omega-3 or Glucosamine and Chondroitin study is right for you. The procedures for the two studies are fairly similar: You first will be asked about your medical history, quality of life, and your attitudes about complementary and alternative medicine. You will have a physical examination. You will also be required to provide a blood sample for blood tests to determine if you are eligible for the study. You or your insurance company will be responsible for the cost of these blood tests. The tests will include a complete blood count (CBC) and evaluation of your liver and kidney functions.

If you are determined to be eligible for the study, you will then be given a dietary supplement to take – either Omega-3 fatty acid or Glucosamine and Chondroitin. You will also be asked to keep a diary of any pain medication that you use during the course of the study. You will be asked to take the Omega-3 for 12 weeks or Glucosamine and Chondroitin for 24 weeks. During this time you will meet with the research team three times to answer questions about your joint pain and to have your blood drawn.

Where? Columbia University, New York, New York

Connect with the Army: