Vitamin D3 Effects on Musculoskeletal Symptoms With Use of Aromatase Inhibitors
Vitamin D3 Effects on Musculoskeletal Symptoms With Use of Aromatase Inhibitors
The Purpose of this study is to determine whether vitamin D3 supplements will decrease the
 muscle and bone pain that are reported by women who take Aromatase Inhibitors.
This project will determine the efficacy of vitamin D3 supplements for reducing side effects
 of treatment with aromatase inhibitors in women with a history of breast cancer that have no
 evidence of current disease. The aromatase inhibitors (AI) have become a critical component
 of adjuvant therapy for this population, but they cause bone pain, joint pain, joint
 stiffness, and muscle weakness in approximately 40% of patients. These symptoms, referred to
 as aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS), decrease quality of life
 and medication adherence. Identifying effective ways to decrease these symptoms may allow for
 longer and more adherent medication use and thus may improve disease-free survival. We
 hypothesize that vitamin D3 may decrease symptoms associated with the use of aromatase
 inhibitors.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age ≥ 18 years

 -  Women with a history of stage I-IIIa invasive breast cancer

 -  History of hormone-receptor positive cancer (either ER + or PR + or both)

 -  Are prescribed and are taking anastrozole, letrozole or exemestane for at least one
 month and have at least 7 months of AI treatment remaining

 -  Are experiencing AIMSS

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Unable to read or understand English

 -  History of psychiatric disability affecting informed consent or compliance with drug
 intake

 -  Malabsorption syndrome or inability to take oral medication

 -  Has less than 7 months of AI therapy remaining