NCT06143631 · University of California, San Francisco
Prescription of Letrozole for Uterine Myoma
(PLUM)
What this study is about
The PLUM Study is a randomly assigned, double-blinded, 2-treatment group$1, parallel-group, compared against an inactive treatment trial is designed to compare the effectiveness of letrozole versus placebo on leiomyoma-related symptoms and quality of life as well as leiomyoma and uterine size.
View original scientific description
The PLUM Study is a randomized, double-blinded, 2-arm, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial is designed to compare the efficacy of letrozole versus placebo on leiomyoma-related symptoms and quality of life as well as leiomyoma and uterine size.
Interventions
DRUG
Letrozole 2.5mg
Oral letrozole 2.5mg/day
OTHER
Placebo
Placebo capsule
Primary outcome measures
Uterine leiomyoma-related symptom severity over 12 weeks of treatment
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Uterine Fibroid Symptoms Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) score \[Range 8-40 with higher score indicating worse symptoms and worse outcomes\]
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
- At least 21 and less than 54 years of age (to focus on an adult, premenopausal population)
- Female sex, based on sex identified on their birth certificate (no other gender requirements)
- Have uterine leiomyomata that have been visualized on pelvic imaging (i.e., ultrasound or MRI) in the last 24 months
- Report symptoms associated with leiomyomata such as heavy uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure or discomfort, urinary or bowel abnormalities, or dyspareunia for the past 3 months
- Have at least moderate leiomyomata symptom burden, with UFS-QOL SSS score of 30 or higher at baseline
- Has had a menstrual period in the past 3 months (90 days)
- Agree to use a non-hormonal or barrier method of contraception with any sexual activity with a non-sterile male partner during the study period (i.e., use of copper IUD is consistent with eligibility)
Exclusion criteria
- Screening pelvic imaging indicating any leiomyomata ≥10 cm in maximum diameter, or uterine size ≥16 cm in length (equivalent to 16 weeks gestation)-note that candidates who exclusively have prior clinical pelvic imaging 12-24 months ago will be excluded if imaging includes leiomyomata ≥9 cm in maximum diameter, or uterine size ≥15 cm in length, presuming leiomyoma growth of ≥1 cm per year
- Screening pelvic imaging indicating only one, sole leiomyoma \<2 cm in maximum diameter
- Any submucosal leiomyoma that is \>50% within uterine cavity (FIGO Type 0 or Type 1 leiomyomata)
- Visit to the emergency room or hospitalization for leiomyoma symptoms in the last 12 weeks
- Leiomyomata treated by surgery, radiologic procedure in the last 12 weeks; or plans to undergo any of the above in the next 24 weeks
- Leiomyomata treated by GRNH agonist or antagonist in the last 12 weeks (if injected) or in the last 4 weeks (if oral); or plans to use the above in the next 24 weeks
- Currently pregnant or lactating, pregnant or lactating in the past 12 weeks, or planning to become pregnant in the next 24 weeks
- Screening serum hemoglobin \<8 g/dL, or history of blood transfusion in the last 12 weeks (indicating severe anemia)
- Screening cholesterol lipid panel testing showing LDL cholesterol level ≥ 190 mg/dL (due to rare side effects over long-term use of aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal women)
- Screening serum estradiol level \<30 pg/mL (consistent with postmenopausal status)
- For women aged 45 years or older only: irregular menstrual cycles (menstrual cycles \<21 days or \>38 days between periods), prolonged menstrual bleeding (bleeding \>14 days), or bleeding in between menstrual periods, unless already evaluated by a clinician to discuss endometrial biopsy (uterine biopsy) to rule out endometrial hyperplasia.
- History of osteoporosis (based on self-reported DEXA indicating bone mineral density Z-score \< -2.0 at spine, total hip, or femoral neck; a prior fracture judged to be a fragility fracture; or self-reported use of bisphosphonates, calcitonin, calcitriol, ipriflavone, teriparatide, or denosumab for bone density loss)
- History of severe liver disease (Child Pugh Class C cirrhosis), posing safety risks for use of letrozole
- Current or prior history of breast cancer (given potential need to take letrozole for breast cancer treatment or secondary prevention)
- Screening pelvic imaging indicating an Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) category 3, 4, or 5 ovarian or adnexal lesion
- Screening pelvic imaging concerning for other current cancer of the gynecologic, genitourinary or gastrointestinal system
- Prior hypersensitivity or significant adverse reaction to letrozole or any aromatase inhibitor, or to an ingredient in the placebo capsule
- Use of letrozole, other aromatase inhibitor, or selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) medications in the past 4 weeks, or existing plans to initiate one of these in the next 24 weeks
- Use of oral, vaginal, or topical exogenous estrogen, progestin, or androgen therapy in the past 4 weeks; or injectable forms of the above in the past 12 weeks; or plans to initiate any of the above in the next 24 weeks
- Use of medications with potential unsafe interactions with letrozole in the past 4 weeks (methadone, levomethadone, nintedanib, thalidomide), or plans to initiate these in the next 24 weeks
- Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with ability to complete study procedures, including acute or uncontrolled mental health condition, substance abuse, or inability to complete procedures in English (or Spanish, for sites that offer study assessments in Spanish)
Where
- Los Angeles, California
- San Francisco, California
- Rochester, Minnesota
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Durham, North Carolina
Collaborators
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
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 Oct 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations