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Letrozole in Preventing Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

A Pilot Study of Aromatase Inhibitors for Women at Increased Risk of Breast Cancer Based on Estradiol Levels

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00090857
Acronym
WISE
Enrollment
49
Registered
2004-09-08
Start date
2002-02-28
Completion date
2013-03-31
Last updated
2018-03-30

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Breast Cancer

Keywords

breast cancer, stage I breast cancer, stage II breast cancer, stage IIIA breast cancer, stage IIIB breast cancer, stage IIIC breast cancer, stage IV breast cancer, breast cancer in situ, ductal breast carcinoma in situ

Brief summary

RATIONALE: Chemoprevention therapy is the use of certain drugs to try to prevent the development or recurrence of cancer. Letrozole may be effective in preventing the development or recurrence of breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer because of elevated estradiol levels. PURPOSE: This randomized phase II trial is studying how well letrozole works in preventing breast cancer in postmenopausal women with elevated estradiol levels.

Detailed description

OBJECTIVES: Primary * The primary outcome of the study is the change in bone mineral density following a year on letrozole vs. a year on placebo. Secondary * Compare the safety, acceptability, and adherence to letrozole vs placebo in postmenopausal women at increased risk for the development or recurrence of breast cancer based on elevated plasma estradiol levels through evaluation of menopausal symptoms (including hot flushes, weight changes, sexual functioning, and genitourinary effects), blood lipid levels, markers of bone turnover, and multidimensional quality of life. * Determine the effect of letrozole-induced reduction of plasma estradiol levels on mammographic percent breast density. * Obtain background information for a future large chemoprevention trial to address the question of whether a reduction in plasma estradiol levels can reduce the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. OUTLINE: This is a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Patients are randomized to 2:1 (experimental treatment: placebo arms). PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 110 patients (73 for arm I and 37 for arm II) will be accrued for this study.

Interventions

DRUGLetrozole
OTHERPlacebo

Sponsors

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
CollaboratorNIH
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
CollaboratorOTHER
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
35 Years to 120 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * At increased risk for the development or recurrence of breast cancer, defined as an estradiol level ≥ 9 pg/mL * No evidence of suspicious or malignant disease, based on the following examinations: * Clinical bilateral breast examination within the past 6 months * Bilateral\* mammogram within 3 months before randomization OR within 30 days after randomization * Pelvic exam normal within the past 5 years * General physical exam within the past 6 months NOTE: \*Unilateral mammogram of the uninvolved breast for patients with prior invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) * Bone density scan within 2 standard deviations from normal within the past 30 days * Bone density scan ≥ 2 standard deviations below normal allowed if approved by the study physician * At least 1 breast that has not been previously treated with radiotherapy or surgery (for patients with prior invasive breast cancer or DCIS) * Hormone receptor status: * Not specified PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * 35 and over Sex * Female Menopausal status * Postmenopausal, defined by any of the following criteria: * At least 12 months without spontaneous menstrual bleeding * Prior hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy * ≥ 55 years of age with a prior hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy * \< 55 years of age with a prior hysterectomy without oophorectomy OR the status of the ovaries is unknown AND follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level is in the postmenopausal range Performance status * Normal activity must not be restricted for a significant portion of the day Life expectancy * At least 10 years Hematopoietic * Complete blood count with differential normal * Prior benign neutropenia allowed provided the granulocyte count is ≥ 1,500/mm\^3 Hepatic * Bilirubin normal * Alkaline phosphatase normal * SGOT and SGPT normal Renal * Creatinine normal Cardiovascular * No uncontrolled cardiovascular disease Other * Not pregnant * No other malignancy within the past 5 years except basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix * No osteoporosis * No hyperlipidemia * No mental health status resulting in cognitive or emotional impairment that would preclude study participation PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy * Not specified Chemotherapy * Not specified Endocrine therapy * More than 30 days since prior AND no concurrent use of any of the following hormonal agents: * Estrogen or progesterone replacement therapy * Oral contraceptives * Raloxifene or other plasma estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) * Androgens (e.g., danazol) * Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs (e.g., goserelin or leuprolide) * Prolactin inhibitors (e.g., bromocriptine) * Antiandrogens (e.g., cyproterone) * More than 60 days since prior AND no concurrent tamoxifen * No prior aromatase inhibitors (for patients with prior invasive breast cancer or DCIS) * No concurrent phytoestrogenic dietary supplements (e.g., soy, ginseng, or other natural products) * Dietary soy allowed Radiotherapy * See Disease Characteristics Surgery * See Disease Characteristics * No prior bilateral mastectomy Other * More than 60 days since prior treatment for invasive breast cancer or DCIS * More than 30 days since prior bisphosphonates or calcitonin * No prior or concurrent participation on a treatment study for invasive breast cancer or DCIS * No concurrent participation in any other cancer prevention study or osteoporosis prevention study involving pharmacologic agents * No concurrent calcitonin * No concurrent bisphosphonate therapy * Concurrent cholecalciferol (vitamin D) and calcium to augment bone mineral density allowed

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Lumbar Density From Baseline to 12 MonthsEvaluation occurred at treatment initiation (BL) and after 12-months of treatment.The bone mineral density (BMD) test was comprised of the following 4 measurements \[total density (g/cm\^2)\]: lumbar, femoral neck, trochanter, hip.
Change in Femoral Neck Density From Baseline to 12 MonthsEvaluation occurred at treatment initiation (BL) and after 12-months of treatment.The bone mineral density (BMD) test was comprised of the following 4 measurements \[total density (g/cm\^2)\]: lumbar, femoral neck, trochanter, hip.
Change in Trochanter Density From Baseline to 12 MonthsEvaluation occurred at treatment initiation (BL) and after 12-months of treatment.The bone mineral density (BMD) test was comprised of the following 4 measurements \[total density (g/cm\^2)\]: lumbar, femoral neck, trochanter, hip.
Change in Hip Density From Baseline to 12 MonthsEvaluation occurred at treatment initiation (BL) and after 12-months of treatment.The bone mineral density (BMD) test was comprised of the following 4 measurements \[total density (g/cm\^2)\]: lumbar, femoral neck, trochanter, hip.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Worst Grade Abdominal PainHeath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.Participants reported worst grade abdominal pain: 01: mild, 02: moderate, 03: severe (CTCAEv3), 04: disabling (CTCAEv3) during 12 months of treatment.
Worst Grade Bone PainHeath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.Participants reported worst grade bone pain: 01: mild, 02: moderate, 03: severe (CTCAEv3), 04: disabling (CTCAEv3) during 12 months of treatment.
Worst Grade Hot FlashesHeath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.Participants reported worst grade hot flashes: 01: mild (\<1qd) or 02: moderate (\>1qd) during 12 months of treatment.
Worst Grade FatigueHeath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.Participants reported worst grade fatigue: 01: mild, 02: moderate, 03: severe (CTCAEv3), 04: disabling (CTCAEv3) during 12 months of treatment.
Worst Grade HeadacheHeath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.Participants reported worst grade headache: 01: mild, 02: moderate, 03: severe (CTCAEv3), 04: disabling (CTCAEv3) during 12 months of treatment.
Worst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsHeath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.Participants reported worst grade muscle aches/pains defined as grade 01: mild, 02: moderate, 03: severe (CTCAEv3) or 04: disabling (CTCAEv3) during 12 months of treatment.
Worst Grade NauseaHeath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.Participants reported worst grade nausea grade 01: able to eat, 02: oral intake significantly decreased, 03: no significant intake, requiring IV fluids during 12 months of treatment.
Worst Grade VomitingHeath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.Participants reported worst grade vomiting grade 01: 1x in 24 hours, 02: 2-5x in 24 hours, 03: \>/= 6x in 24 hours, grade 04: requiring parenteral nutrition/intensive care during 12 months of treatment.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Patients enrolled from February 2002 through August 2007.

Pre-assignment details

In this chemoprevention trial, postmenopausal women were screened and eligible based on serum estradiol levels. Of 405 women screened, 381 were eligible for blood draw. Of these 381 women eligible for blood draw, 87 were eligible for randomization based on serum estradiol level (\>/=0.9 ng/dL). There were 38 women who declined to be randomized.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Letrozole
Participants in this arm received 2.5 mg of letrozole per day for a duration of 12 months; followed by an optional 4 years. Treatment continued in the absence of unacceptable toxicity or diagnosis of invasive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ, or any non-breast primary cancer.
33
Placebo
Participants in this arm received 1 tablet per day which contained the inert ingredients from the letrozole tablet, for a duration of 12 months; followed by an optional 5 years of letrozole.Treatment continued in the absence of unacceptable toxicity or diagnosis of invasive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ, or any non-breast primary cancer.
16
Total49

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyAdverse Event22
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up01
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject20

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicLetrozolePlaceboTotal
Age, Continuous56 years52.5 years54 years
Region of Enrollment
United States
33 participants16 participants49 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
33 Participants16 Participants49 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 330 / 16
other
Total, other adverse events
6 / 332 / 16
serious
Total, serious adverse events
1 / 330 / 16

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Femoral Neck Density From Baseline to 12 Months

The bone mineral density (BMD) test was comprised of the following 4 measurements \[total density (g/cm\^2)\]: lumbar, femoral neck, trochanter, hip.

Time frame: Evaluation occurred at treatment initiation (BL) and after 12-months of treatment.

Population: The analysis dataset is comprised of randomized patients with an evaluable sample for analysis of femoral neck density.

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
LetrozoleChange in Femoral Neck Density From Baseline to 12 Months-0.0065 g/cm^2
PlaceboChange in Femoral Neck Density From Baseline to 12 Months-0.013 g/cm^2
Comparison: Sample size for a detectable difference in the within participant change in bone density between arms was calculated using standard deviations of one year change in bone density. Control estimates were 2.8% for spine and 3.85% for femoral neck. With 100 patients and 2:1 randomization (67 letrozole: 33 placebo), using a 1-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test with size 0.05, there is 80% power to detect as significant a true difference in change in the spine of 1.6% and in the femoral neck of 2.27%.p-value: 0.7Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Primary

Change in Hip Density From Baseline to 12 Months

The bone mineral density (BMD) test was comprised of the following 4 measurements \[total density (g/cm\^2)\]: lumbar, femoral neck, trochanter, hip.

Time frame: Evaluation occurred at treatment initiation (BL) and after 12-months of treatment.

Population: The analysis dataset is comprised of randomized patients with an evaluable sample for analysis of hip density.

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
LetrozoleChange in Hip Density From Baseline to 12 Months-0.0275 g/cm^2
PlaceboChange in Hip Density From Baseline to 12 Months-0.001 g/cm^2
Comparison: Sample size for a detectable difference in the within participant change in bone density was calculated using standard deviations of one year change in bone density. Control estimates were 2.8% for spine and 3.85% for femoral neck. With 100 patients and 2:1 randomization (67 letrozole: 33 placebo), using a 1-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test with size 0.05, there is 80% power to detect as significant a true difference in change in the spine of 1.6% and in the femoral neck of 2.27%.p-value: 0.06Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Primary

Change in Lumbar Density From Baseline to 12 Months

The bone mineral density (BMD) test was comprised of the following 4 measurements \[total density (g/cm\^2)\]: lumbar, femoral neck, trochanter, hip.

Time frame: Evaluation occurred at treatment initiation (BL) and after 12-months of treatment.

Population: The analysis dataset is comprised of randomized patients with an evaluable sample for analysis of lumbar density.

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
LetrozoleChange in Lumbar Density From Baseline to 12 Months-0.036 g/cm^2
PlaceboChange in Lumbar Density From Baseline to 12 Months-0.021 g/cm^2
Comparison: Sample size for a detectable difference in the within participant change in bone density between arms was calculated using standard deviations of one year change in bone density. Control estimates were 2.8% for spine and 3.85% for femoral neck. With 100 patients and 2:1 randomization (67 letrozole: 33 placebo), using a 1-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test with size 0.05, there is 80% power to detect as significant a true difference in change in the spine of 1.6% and in the femoral neck of 2.27%.p-value: 0.15Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Primary

Change in Trochanter Density From Baseline to 12 Months

The bone mineral density (BMD) test was comprised of the following 4 measurements \[total density (g/cm\^2)\]: lumbar, femoral neck, trochanter, hip.

Time frame: Evaluation occurred at treatment initiation (BL) and after 12-months of treatment.

Population: The analysis dataset is comprised of randomized patients with an evaluable sample for analysis of trochanter density.

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
LetrozoleChange in Trochanter Density From Baseline to 12 Months-0.017 g/cm^2
PlaceboChange in Trochanter Density From Baseline to 12 Months-0.009 g/cm^2
Comparison: Sample size for a detectable difference in the within participant change in bone density between arms was calculated using standard deviations of one year change in bone density. Control estimates were 2.8% for spine and 3.85% for femoral neck. With 100 patients and 2:1 randomization (67 letrozole: 33 placebo), using a 1-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test with size 0.05, there is 80% power to detect as significant a true difference in change in the spine of 1.6% and in the femoral neck of 2.27%.p-value: 0.03Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney)
Secondary

Worst Grade Abdominal Pain

Participants reported worst grade abdominal pain: 01: mild, 02: moderate, 03: severe (CTCAEv3), 04: disabling (CTCAEv3) during 12 months of treatment.

Time frame: Heath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.

Population: The analysis dataset is comprised of all randomized participants.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
LetrozoleWorst Grade Abdominal PainNone27 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Abdominal PainMild3 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Abdominal PainMissing3 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Abdominal PainNone16 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Abdominal PainMild0 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Abdominal PainMissing0 Participants
p-value: 0.27Fisher Exact
Secondary

Worst Grade Bone Pain

Participants reported worst grade bone pain: 01: mild, 02: moderate, 03: severe (CTCAEv3), 04: disabling (CTCAEv3) during 12 months of treatment.

Time frame: Heath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
LetrozoleWorst Grade Bone PainNone22 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Bone PainMild2 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Bone PainModerate6 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Bone PainMissing3 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Bone PainMissing0 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Bone PainNone12 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Bone PainModerate1 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Bone PainMild3 Participants
p-value: 0.6Fisher Exact
Secondary

Worst Grade Fatigue

Participants reported worst grade fatigue: 01: mild, 02: moderate, 03: severe (CTCAEv3), 04: disabling (CTCAEv3) during 12 months of treatment.

Time frame: Heath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
LetrozoleWorst Grade FatigueNone19 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade FatigueMild6 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade FatigueModerate5 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade FatigueMissing3 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade FatigueMissing0 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade FatigueNone11 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade FatigueModerate3 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade FatigueMild2 Participants
p-value: 0.49Fisher Exact
Secondary

Worst Grade Headache

Participants reported worst grade headache: 01: mild, 02: moderate, 03: severe (CTCAEv3), 04: disabling (CTCAEv3) during 12 months of treatment.

Time frame: Heath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
LetrozoleWorst Grade HeadacheMissing3 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade HeadacheMild7 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade HeadacheNone20 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade HeadacheModerate3 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade HeadacheNone11 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade HeadacheMissing0 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade HeadacheModerate2 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade HeadacheMild3 Participants
p-value: 0.58Fisher Exact
Secondary

Worst Grade Hot Flashes

Participants reported worst grade hot flashes: 01: mild (\<1qd) or 02: moderate (\>1qd) during 12 months of treatment.

Time frame: Heath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.

Population: The analysis dataset is comprised of all randomized participants.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
LetrozoleWorst Grade Hot FlashesNone14 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Hot FlashesMild (<1 qd)5 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Hot FlashesModerate11 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Hot FlashesMissing3 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Hot FlashesMissing0 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Hot FlashesNone9 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Hot FlashesModerate4 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Hot FlashesMild (<1 qd)3 Participants
p-value: 0.38Fisher Exact
Secondary

Worst Grade Muscle Aches/Pains

Participants reported worst grade muscle aches/pains defined as grade 01: mild, 02: moderate, 03: severe (CTCAEv3) or 04: disabling (CTCAEv3) during 12 months of treatment.

Time frame: Heath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
LetrozoleWorst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsModerate7 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsMissing3 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsSevere1 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsNone14 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsMild8 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsMild2 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsNone13 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsMissing0 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsModerate1 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Muscle Aches/PainsSevere0 Participants
p-value: 0.02Fisher Exact
Secondary

Worst Grade Nausea

Participants reported worst grade nausea grade 01: able to eat, 02: oral intake significantly decreased, 03: no significant intake, requiring IV fluids during 12 months of treatment.

Time frame: Heath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.

Population: The analysis dataset is comprised of all randomized participants.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
LetrozoleWorst Grade NauseaNone23 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade NauseaAble to Eat5 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade NauseaOral Intake Significantly Decreased1 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade NauseaMissing4 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade NauseaMissing0 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade NauseaNone15 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade NauseaOral Intake Significantly Decreased0 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade NauseaAble to Eat1 Participants
p-value: 0.2Fisher Exact
Secondary

Worst Grade Vomiting

Participants reported worst grade vomiting grade 01: 1x in 24 hours, 02: 2-5x in 24 hours, 03: \>/= 6x in 24 hours, grade 04: requiring parenteral nutrition/intensive care during 12 months of treatment.

Time frame: Heath assessments during treatment were administered at 3- and 9-months by telephone contact and during clinic visits at 6- and12-months.

Population: The analysis dataset is comprised of all randomized participants.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
LetrozoleWorst Grade VomitingNone28 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Vomiting1x in 24 hours1 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade Vomiting2-5x in 24 hours0 Participants
LetrozoleWorst Grade VomitingMissing4 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade VomitingMissing0 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade VomitingNone15 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Vomiting2-5x in 24 hours1 Participants
PlaceboWorst Grade Vomiting1x in 24 hours0 Participants
p-value: 0.88Fisher Exact

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026