NCT06728579 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Enhanced Pain Coping in Cancer (EPIC): A Study of Managing Treatment-Related Joint Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors
What this study is about
The researchers are doing this study to compare two different types of group therapy and find out whether they are effective approaches for helping breast cancer survivors manage joint pain caused by aromatase inhibitors (AI). This type of joint pain is called AI-associated arthralgia, or AIA, and it is common in people taking AIs.
View original scientific description
The researchers are doing this study to compare two different types of group therapy and find out whether they are effective approaches for helping breast cancer survivors manage joint pain caused by aromatase inhibitors (AI). This type of joint pain is called AI-associated arthralgia, or AIA, and it is common in people taking AIs. AIA and its associated symptoms can make some people decide to stop taking their medication.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE)
eight weekly two-hour MORE sessions
OTHER
Questionnaires
filled out up to 24 weeks
BEHAVIORAL
Supportive Psychotherapy (SG)
eight weekly two-hour SG sessions
Primary outcome measures
Pain Interference
Time frame: up to 24 weeks
Pain interference will be assessed using the 7-item Pain Interference subscale from the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF). Each item is rated on a scale from 0 ("does not interfere") to 10 ("completely interferes"), with higher scores indicating worse interference. The BPI is a widely used, reliable, valid, and responsive tool for measuring pain (Cronbach's α 0.77-0.91). The Pain Interference subscale will be administered at baseline, weekly during the 8-week intervention, and at weeks 12 and 24. Completing the survey requires approximately 1 minute.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥18 years
- English-proficient women with a history of stage I, II, or III breast cancer
- Free of oncologic disease by clinical examination and history;
- Receiving third-generation AI therapy (anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane) for at least 28 days prior to consent with plan to continue for at least another 12 months;
- Worst joint pain rated at least 4 or greater on a 0-10 numeric rating scale in the preceding week prior to consent;
- Reporting at least 15 days with pain in the preceding 30 days prior to consent;
- Experiencing joint pain for at least one month;
- Pain attributed to AI therapy;
- Willing to adhere to all study-related procedures, including randomization to one of two treatment arms: Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) or Supportive Group Psychotherapy (SG);
- Able to attend video-call sessions in a quiet/private location.
Exclusion criteria
- Metastatic breast cancer (stage IV);
- Completed chemotherapy, surgery, or rad
Where
- San Diego, California
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- New York, New York
- Uniondale, New York
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations