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Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast CarcinomaPhase 2NCT06028022

Reishi Mushroom Extract for Fatigue and/or Arthralgias/Myalgias in Patients With Breast Cancer on Aromatase Inhibitors

A Phase 2 study testing Mushroom Extract, Quality-of-Life Assessment and Questionnaire Administration in people with Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Carcinoma, run by Mayo Clinic at 23 sites in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This phase II trial tests how well Reishi mushroom extract works in treating fatigue and/or joint/muscle pain (arthralgias/myalgias) in patients with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors. Fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias are common symptoms in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors (AI). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older, women only
What is being tested?
Mushroom Extract, Quality-of-Life Assessment and Questionnaire Administration
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
80 participants
Where
23 sitesUnited States
Study dates
18 Oct 2023to 15 Jun 2029
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • 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)
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  • 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

Who cannot join

  • 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
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  • 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

Trial locations and contacts

23 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Clinical Trials Referral Office contact

855-776-0015

mayocliniccancerstudies@mayo.edu

23 sites in 1 country

United States23 sites, 1 recruiting
  • Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea

    Albert Lea, Minnesota, 56007

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health Baxter Clinic

    Baxter, Minnesota, 56425

    Active, not recruiting
  • Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center

    Bemidji, Minnesota, 56601

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health Saint Joseph's Medical Center

    Brainerd, Minnesota, 56401

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health Deer River Clinic

    Deer River, Minnesota, 56636

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health Saint Mary's - Detroit Lakes Clinic

    Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, 56501

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health Cancer Center

    Duluth, Minnesota, 55805

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health Ely Clinic

    Ely, Minnesota, 55731

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health Fosston

    Fosston, Minnesota, 56542

    Active, not recruiting
  • Fairview Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital

    Grand Rapids, Minnesota, 55744

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health Hibbing Clinic

    Hibbing, Minnesota, 55746

    Active, not recruiting
  • Fairview Range Medical Center

    Hibbing, Minnesota, 55746

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health International Falls Clinic

    International Falls, Minnesota, 56649

    Active, not recruiting
  • Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Mankato

    Mankato, Minnesota, 56001

    Active, not recruiting
  • MMCORC CentraCare Monticello Cancer Center

    Monticello, Minnesota, 55362

    Withdrawn
  • Essentia Health Moose Lake

    Moose Lake, Minnesota, 55767

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health Park Rapids

    Park Rapids, Minnesota, 56470

    Active, not recruiting
  • Fairview Northland Medical Center

    Princeton, Minnesota, 55731

    Active, not recruiting
  • Mayo Clinic in Rochester

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905

    Clinical Trials Referral Office, 855-776-0015, mayocliniccancerstudies@mayo.edu

    Stacy D. D'Andre, M.D.

    Recruiting
  • Essentia Health Sandstone

    Sandstone, Minnesota, 55072

    Active, not recruiting
  • Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center

    Thief River Falls, Minnesota, 56701

    Active, not recruiting
  • Essentia Health Virginia Clinic

    Virginia, Minnesota, 55792

    Active, not recruiting
  • Sanford Worthington Medical Center

    Worthington, Minnesota, 56187

    Active, not recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Reishi Mushroom Extract for Fatigue and/or Arthralgias in Patients With Breast Cancer on Aromatase Inhibitors: A Randomized Phase II MNCCTN Trial

This phase II trial tests how well Reishi mushroom extract works in treating fatigue and/or joint/muscle pain (arthralgias/myalgias) in patients with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors. Fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias are common symptoms in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors (AI). Given the long duration of AI treatment for some women (up to 10 years), these symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and premature discontinuation of AIs, a beneficial medication. Reishi mushrooms are among several medicinal mushrooms that have been used for hundreds of years, mainly in Asian countries, to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. Reishi mushroom extracts have not been studied explicitly for treatment-induced arthralgias/myalgias, but have been shown to improve quality of life, muscular strength, pain, and flexibility. Information from this study may help researchers determine the effect of Reishi mushroom extract on fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias in breast cancer patients receiving an AI.

Read the detailed description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

  1. To evaluate the efficacy of 1,000 mg three times daily (TID) of Reishi mushroom extracts as therapy for cancer-related fatigue measured by uniscale measurement at the end of four weeks.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

  1. To evaluate the efficacy of Reishi mushroom extracts as therapy for cancer-related arthralgias at the end of four weeks and four weeks after cross-over as measured by the Brief Pain index (BPI)-adapted for AI associated arthralgias.

II. To evaluate the effect of Reishi mushroom extracts on cancer-related quality of life (QOL), as measured by uniscale, at the end of four weeks and four weeks after cross-over.

III. To evaluate the efficacy of Reishi mushroom extracts on mood, as assessed by the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) item well-being scale, at the end of four weeks and four weeks after cross-over.

IV. To evaluate treatment toxicity between the two treatment arms, as measured by a patient symptom experience diary and weekly calls from the study team.

  1. To evaluate the interest, knowledge, and acceptance of integrative treatments for cancer-related symptoms.

OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

ARM I: Patients receive Reishi mushroom extract orally (PO) TID on days 1-28 for weeks 1-4 and then placebo PO TID on days 1-28 for weeks 5-8 in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

ARM II: Patients receive placebo PO TID on days 1-28 for weeks 1-4 and Reishi mushroom extract PO TID on days 1-28 for weeks 5-8 in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 30 days.

Being tested
Mushroom Extract, Placebo Administration, Quality-of-Life Assessment, Questionnaire Administration

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Mushroom ExtractDietary supplement

    Also called Agaricus bisporus Extract, Cultivated Mushroom

    Given Reishi mushroom extract PO

  • Placebo AdministrationDrug

    Given PO

  • Quality-of-Life AssessmentOther

    Also called Quality of Life Assessment

    Ancillary studies

  • Questionnaire AdministrationOther

    Ancillary studies

Study groups in NCT06028022
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Arm I (Reishi mushroom extract, placebo)ExperimentalPatients receive Reishi mushroom extract PO TID on days 1-28 for weeks 1-4 and then placebo PO TID on days 1-28 for weeks 5-8 in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Mushroom Extract; Drug: Placebo Administration; Other: Quality-of-Life Assessment; Other: Questionnaire Administration
Arm II (placebo, Reishi mushroom extract)ExperimentalPatients receive placebo PO TID on days 1-28 for weeks 1-4 and Reishi mushroom extract PO TID on days 1-28 for weeks 5-8 in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Mushroom Extract; Drug: Placebo Administration; Other: Quality-of-Life Assessment; Other: Questionnaire Administration

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in fatigue scores

    Based on a single item fatigue uniscale question. Will be compared between arms using a two-sided two-sample t-test assuming equal variances in each group.

    Measured: Baseline to end of four weeks

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Change in quality of life

    Measured by the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index. Will be compared between arms using two-sample, two-sided t-tests assuming equal variances and alpha levels of 5%. The analyses of the crossover portion of the study will be descriptive. Mean values will be plotted over time by arm. A formal crossover analysis will also be performed using Senn's linear modeling approach.

    Measured: Baseline to the end of four weeks and four weeks after cross-over

  2. Change in arthralgias

    Measured by the Brief Pain Inventory for Aromatase Inhibitor Induced Arthralgia. Will be compared between arms using two-sample, two-sided t-tests assuming equal variances and alpha levels of 5%. The analyses of the crossover portion of the study will be descriptive. Mean values will be plotted over time by arm. A formal crossover analysis will also be performed using Senn's linear modeling approach.

    Measured: Baseline to the end of four weeks and four weeks after cross-over

  3. Incidence of adverse events

    Measured by the symptom experience diary. Will be compared between arms using two-sample, two-sided t-tests assuming equal variances and alpha levels of 5%. The analyses of the crossover portion of the study will be descriptive. Mean values will be plotted over time by arm. A formal crossover analysis will also be performed using Senn's linear modeling approach.

    Measured: Up to 30 days follow-up

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted7 Sep 2023
  2. Study start18 Oct 2023
  3. Primary completion15 May 2029 (estimated)
  4. Study completion15 Jun 2029 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
80 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06028022
Sponsor's protocol ID
MC221002
Other IDs
NCI-2023-06578, MC221002, 23-005266, MNCCTN032
Status last verified
Nov 2026
First submitted
31 Aug 2023
Last updated
4 Nov 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing Mushroom Extract, Quality-of-Life Assessment and Questionnaire Administration in people with Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Carcinoma, run by Mayo Clinic at 23 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 19 inclusion and 17 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 23 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Clinical Trials Referral Office (855-776-0015, mayocliniccancerstudies@mayo.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in fatigue scores (time frame: Baseline to end of four weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Nov 2026.

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