Clinical Research Directory

Impact of Pilates Exercises on Bone Mineral Density in Breast Cancer Survivors Receiving Hormonal Therapy

Breast cancer survivors receiving endocrine (hormonal) therapy (aromatase inhibitors) are at high risk for cancer treatment-induced bone loss and osteoporosis due to estrogen depletion.

Assessment of Cryotherapy's Analgesic Impact in Anti-aromatase-induced Arthralgia

The first aim of this comparative, randomized, prospective, multicenter study is to evaluate the analgesic effect at 6 weeks of whole-body cryotherapy, compared to placebo cryotherapy, in patients suffering from arthralgia under aromatase inhibitor treatment for hormone-dependent breast cancer in adjuvant situation. The secondary objectives are to evaluate the tolerance of cryotherapy sessions and the evaluation of the impact of the cryotherapy sessions on the consumption of analgesics, the compliance of the treatment by anti-aromatases, the quality of life. The patient and investigator will be blinded to the treatment. Only the cryotherapist will have knowledge of the treatment group: * Whole Body Cryotherapy group (Arm A), or * Placebo Cryotherapy group (Arm B). Patients consulting for the follow-up of a breast cancer and presenting arthralgias under anti-aromatase will be included in the study after verification of the inclusion and non-inclusion criteria and collection of consent. The sessions will be performed according to the randomization arm as follows * Whole body cryotherapy group: 10 sessions will be performed daily, over a period of 12 to 21 days. For each session, the patient enters a chamber at -85°C for 4 minutes 30 seconds. * Placebo cryotherapy group: 10 sessions will be performed daily, over a period of 12 to 21 days. For each session, the patient enters a chamber at -85°C for 1 minute. Each patient will complete the BPI-SF and HAQ questionnaires 15 days +/- 7 days prior to the start of cryotherapy, at the 6 week, 3 and 6 month post-cryotherapy visit. Each patient will indicate the number of days of anti-aromatase therapy in the 6 months prior to inclusion and at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after cryotherapy. For this purpose, each patient will indicate the number of hormone therapy tablets taken in the 15 days prior to the inclusion visit, the 6 week, 3 and 6 month visit. Each patient will indicate the analgesic treatments used, classified in three categories: levels 1, 2 and 3 at the inclusion consultation and at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after cryotherapy (analgesics taken during the 15 days preceding the visit). The evaluation of the tolerance with the collection of the undesirable effects will be made before and at the end of each session by the professionals of the CryoMed. It will also be evaluated in the week following the end of cryotherapy during a telephone call.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Structured Exercise Interventions in Alleviating Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Breast Cancer Survivors: a Pilot Study Protocol

Endocrine therapy represents a foundational approach for managing hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, with treatment typically spanning 5 to 10 years. Although its clinical efficacy is well-established, medications like aromatase inhibitors frequently result in musculoskeletal (MS) complications, such as joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning), carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, myalgia, and reduced muscle strength. These issues, which can manifest intermittently or persistently, impact both central joints (spine, hips, shoulders) and peripheral ones (elbows, wrists, knees, feet), thereby substantially diminishing patients' quality of life (QoL). Evidence suggests that physical activity can mitigate these symptoms; however, adherence to exercise routines remains insufficient. Moreover, there is no agreement regarding the most effective type, intensity, or duration of exercise, and standardized guidelines are absent. Acknowledging the need for exercise as a sustainable habit, this research aims to design a home-based rehabilitation program customized for individuals undergoing endocrine therapy.

AI-based Skeleton Recognition System for Rehabilitation Exercise in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to develop and evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI)-based skeletal recognition system designed to support real-time, interactive rehabilitation exercise (RE programs. The goal is to mitigate musculoskeletal symptoms associated with endocrine therapy in breast cancer survivors.Endocrine therapy remains a cornerstone in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, typically extending over 5 to 10 years. While the therapeutic benefits of endocrine therapy are well established, agents such as aromatase inhibitors frequently induce musculoskeletal symptoms (MS), including joint pain, stiffness (particularly morning stiffness), carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, myalgia, and muscle weakness. These symptoms, which may be continuous or intermittent, can affect both central (spine, hips, shoulders) and peripheral joints (elbows, wrists, knees, feet), severely compromising patients' quality of life (QoL). Although physical exercise has been demonstrated to alleviate these symptoms, adherence to adequate exercise regimens remains suboptimal among patients. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the optimal type, duration, or intensity of exercise interventions, and standardized protocols are lacking. Recognizing exercise as a long-term behavior, we are developing a home-based, AI-assisted rehabilitation program tailored to the specific needs of patients undergoing endocrine therapy.