Grand Rapids

Researchers are studying hair loss caused by endocrine therapy in women with breast cancer, including both postmenopausal and premenopausal patients. Hair loss is a distressing side effect often linked to chemotherapy, but it also occurs with endocrine therapy, although it is not well understood or frequently reported. The study aims to better understand how often hair loss happens, its timing, duration, and severity among different types of endocrine therapy. The study observes five groups of women: those receiving tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors combined with CDK4/6 inhibitors, those not receiving endocrine therapy, and a previously enrolled group of premenopausal women on endocrine therapy. Participants complete questionnaires and surveys about their hair loss symptoms, and their medical records are reviewed. The groups will close enrollment once 30 patients each have been included. Participants are asked to fill out questionnaires every three months, starting within two weeks of beginning their endocrine therapy or CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment. Researchers track patient-reported hair loss and its impact on quality of life over up to two years. The study evaluates the incidence, characteristics, severity, and risk of treatment-related hair loss throughout this period.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of Reishi mushroom extract on fatigue and joint or muscle pain (arthralgias/myalgias) in women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who are taking aromatase inhibitors. These symptoms often affect quality of life and can lead to early stopping of aromatase inhibitor treatment, which can last up to 10 years. Reishi mushrooms have a history of use in Asian countries to support the immune system, reduce stress, and improve fatigue and muscle function, but have not been specifically studied for these cancer treatment-related symptoms. The trial is a randomized phase II study comparing Reishi mushroom extract taken orally three times daily at 1,000 mg doses to a placebo. Participants receive Reishi extract for the first four weeks and then placebo for the next four weeks, or vice versa, unless disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur. After completing the 8-week treatment period, patients are followed up 30 days later. The study also collects data on quality of life, mood, and treatment side effects. Participants will have their fatigue levels measured at the start and end of the four-week treatment periods to assess changes. Additional assessments include pain evaluation, quality of life questionnaires, mood scales, and symptom diaries with weekly phone calls. Researchers also explore patients' views and knowledge about integrative therapies. Safety and adherence are monitored throughout, with follow-up lasting about one month after treatment ends.

Implanted Port Devices (IPD) are important for safely delivering cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy. This research focuses on patients with IPD, aiming to see if extending the routine flushing of these devices from every 4 weeks to every 12 weeks is safe and equally effective. The study is prospective and randomized, comparing two flushing schedules to maintain IPD function and safety. Participants who agree to join will be randomly assigned to receive standard IPD flushes every 4 weeks or reduced flushes every 12 weeks. The initial treatment period lasts 12 weeks. Those who choose to continue can participate in up to three more 12-week cycles under the same flushing schedule. Each flush includes assessments of the port device's condition. Before starting, participants complete histories, assessments, and questionnaires about their port device within 14 days. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor how well the IPD remains open and functional, focusing on the rate of port patency 12 weeks after randomization. Participants provide written consent, and ongoing safety and device status are carefully checked during each flush cycle.