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01-02-2025 | Joint Pain | Review

Musculoskeletal symptoms associated with aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of early breast cancer: A scoping review of risk factors and outcomes

Authors: Feng Jing, Lingyun Jiang, Yuling Cao, Yan Hu

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 2/2025

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Abstract

Purpose

Aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS) are the most common adverse effects experienced by breast cancer patients. This scoping review aimed to systematically synthesize the predictors/risk factors and outcomes of AIMSS in patients with early-stage breast cancer.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) from inception to December 2024 following the scoping review framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005).

Results

A total of 5,008 studies were identified, and 98 were included in this review. The risk factors for AIMSS included psychosocial and demographic factors (e.g., age, BMI, menstrual status, and anxiety), clinical factors (e.g., history of chemotherapy, preexisting pain, and musculoskeletal diseases) and gene polymorphisms (e.g., ESR1, OPG, RANKL, TCL1A, and CYP19A1). The outcomes of AIMSS encompassed physical, psychological, behavioral, and survival-related impacts.

Conclusion

This scoping review synthesized the available evidence on predictors, risk factors, and outcomes of AIMSS, providing a foundation for developing risk prediction models and enhancing symptom management strategies.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Musculoskeletal symptoms associated with aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of early breast cancer: A scoping review of risk factors and outcomes
Authors
Feng Jing
Lingyun Jiang
Yuling Cao
Yan Hu
Publication date
01-02-2025
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 2/2025
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-025-09183-5

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