Tart Cherry and Omega-3's for Aromatase Inhibitor Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Last updated: March 2, 2026
Sponsor: Philip Chang
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

1

Condition

Muscle Pain

Cancer

Arthritis And Arthritic Pain (Pediatric)

Treatment

Tart Cherry

Omega 3 FA (Fish Oil)

Tart Cherry

Clinical Study ID

NCT06123286
IIT2022-08-CHANG-TaCO3AIMSS
  • Ages > 18
  • Female

Study Summary

Both Tart Cherry and Omega 3 FAs have better side effect profiles compared to other commonly used medications for AIMSS, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, steroids, and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Additionally, in our clinics we often find that patients tend to be more receptive to taking a supplement as opposed to an additional medication. Further, both Tart Cherry concentrate and fish oil have beneficial properties for helping with joint stiffness in general, in addition to other health issues like insomnia.

There is preliminary evidence in mouse models that when given together, these supplements may have an even greater anti-inflammatory effect than when taken separately14. Although to our knowledge, no human studies have tested this hypothesis. This study has been designed to test the hypothesis that Tart Cherry and fish oil when given in combination over a 12-week period could produce beneficial changes in joint function when compared to Tart Cherry or fish oil in isolation in an obese breast cancer population experiencing AIMSS. Secondary outcomes to be assessed include pain, functional performance, quality of life and cognition.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Breast cancer diagnosis (Stage I-III) with any hormonal status.

  • Females aged ≥ 18 years.

  • Currently receiving AI therapy.

  • BMI ≥ 27.

  • Clinical diagnosis of AIMSS.

  • Omega-3 Index <8%.

  • Average joint pain score ≥ 4 on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) within 7 days ofenrollment.

  • Written informed consent obtained from subject and ability and willingness ofsubject to comply with the requirements of the study.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current use of anticoagulant medications (Including but not limited to Warfarin,Lovenox, Eliquis, Xarelto).

  • Allergy to cherries or fish/fish products.

  • Lifetime history of rheumatoid arthritis and/or inflammatory joint diseases (Including but not limited to reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, andpsoriatic arthritis).

  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus as determined by treating physician (with or withoutthe use of glucose lowering medications and/or insulin).

  • Lifetime history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks.

  • New use or dose change of oral or topical analgesics in the previous 14 days. (Including but not limited to opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories,acetaminophen, SNRI's, SSRI's, gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, and musclerelaxants).

  • Oral or intra-articular steroid use in the previous 30 days (Including but notlimited to dexamethasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone,hydrocortisone).

  • History of joint fracture or surgery of the symptomatic joint in the previous 6months.

Study Design

Total Participants: 30
Treatment Group(s): 4
Primary Treatment: Tart Cherry
Phase: 1
Study Start date:
September 12, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
October 31, 2027

Connect with a study center

  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

    Los Angeles, California 90048
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

  • CS Cancer at the Hunt Cancer Center

    Torrance, California 90505
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

    Los Angeles 5368361, California 5332921 90048
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • CS Cancer at the Hunt Cancer Center

    Torrance 5403022, California 5332921 90505
    United States

    Site Not Available

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