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Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Aromatase InhibitorsFREE-AINCT06172088

Exploratory Study Therapeutic Fasting Reduce Physical Limitations, Quality of Life During Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

A study testing Fasting in people with Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Aromatase Inhibitors, run by University Hospital Tuebingen at 2 sites in Germany.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

In this explorative study, the feasibility of therapeutic fasting to reduce limitations in physical well-being and quality of life of patients undergoing endocrine therapy with aromatase inhibitors will be investigated. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 70 years, women only
What is being tested?
Fasting
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
54 participants
Where
2 sitesGermany
Study dates
15 Dec 2023to 30 Sep 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 70 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients with curatively treated hormone receptor positive breast cancer who have been on aromatase inhibitors (AI) therapy for at least 3 months and have significant Pain (NRS>4).
  • Informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Eating disorders.
  • Permanent medication other than endocrine therapy, which would constitute an absolute or relative contraindication to outpatient fasting, such as Marcumar, lithium, Antiepileptic drugs, etc.
  • Patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2
  • Uncontrolled cerebral seizure disorder.
  • Participation in another diet/fasting study.
  • Lack of willingness to store and share personal medical data within the framework of the protocol.
  • Insufficient knowledge of the German language.

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country.

Germany2 sites
  • Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus

    Stuttgart, Baden Würtenberg, 70341

  • Würzburg University

    Würzburg, Bavaria, 97080

Other trials in Germany

About this study

Official title: Exploratory Study of Therapeutic Fasting to Reduce Limitations in Physical Well-being and Quality of Life During Endocrine Therapy With Aromatase Inhibitors

In this explorative study, the feasibility of therapeutic fasting to reduce limitations in physical well-being and quality of life of patients undergoing endocrine therapy with aromatase inhibitors will be investigated. In addition, the application of the StudyU app, which is currently under development, will be monitored and the app adapted if necessary. In addition, in preparation for a larger multicenter main study, it will be examined whether the muscle and joint complaints frequently experienced by patients undergoing endocrine therapy with aromatase inhibitors (AI) can be alleviated by a 7-day guided therapeutic fasting intervention (prolonged fasting / PF) can be improved.

Read the detailed description

After baseline (t0), all patients will receive the following intervention:

7 days of online supervised prolonged therapeutic fasting (max. 350 kcal/d).

Following the study intervention, at t1, patients will be offered a for a potential effect as sustainable as possible in addition to a dietary change.

According to the following criteria:

  • As plant-based as possible
  • Rich in nutritive prebiotics
  • In addition, this group should include intermittent fasting/time restricted eating (16/8h) into their dietary habits (at least 6d/week).

All patients will be interviewed on a regular basis and anthropometric data will be collected accordingly at following time points:

  • t1 (at the end of the fasting intervention).
  • t2 (3 months after t0)
Being tested
Fasting
Keywords
Fasting, Aromatase Inhibitors
Medical subject headings
Fasting

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • FastingOther

    Sieben days of online supervised prolonged therapeutic fasting (max. 350 kcal/d).

Study groups in NCT06172088
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Therapeutic fasting for the reduction of physical of limitations in physical well-being and qolExperimentalNot described
Receives: Other: Fasting

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Numerical rating scale

    The numerical rating scale (NRS) will be used to assess the intensity of pain on a range of 0 to 10, with 0 as no pain and 10 as the most intense pain.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  2. Brief Pain Inventory

    The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) scale will measure how pain has interfered with activities of daily living (general activity, walking, work, mood, enjoyment of life, relationships with others and sleep). Pain score: 1 - 4: Mild pain, 5 - 6: Moderate pain and 7 - 10: Severe pain.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  3. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire

    The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) has 10 items measuring physical functioning, mood, depression, anxiety, sleep, pain, stiffness, fatigue and well-being. Each item has a maximum score of 10 points, so the overall maximum score is 100.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  4. Health Assessment Questionnaire-Diasbility Index

    The Health Assessment Questionnaire-Diasbility Index (HAQ-DI) will be applied to assess the daily activity of patients, consists of 20 questions and is scored from 0 (no disability) to 3 (total disability).

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

Secondary outcomes (25)
  1. World Health Organization's 5

    The WHO-5 questionnaire will be used to assess the subjective mental well-being of patients. Each question is scored from 0 to 5. Low scores correspond to low level of well-being.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  2. World Health Organization's 5

    The WHO-5 questionnaire will be used to assess the subjective mental well-being of patients. Each question is scored from 0 to 5. Low scores correspond to low level of well-being.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  3. Mindfulness and Awareness Scale

    The Mindfulness and Awareness Scale (MAAS) measures a person's level of mindfulness in daily life. It evaluates how much time an individual spends in the present time. The scale ranges from 1 to 6 and consists of 15 items in total.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  4. Mindfulness and Awareness Scale

    The Mindfulness and Awareness Scale (MAAS) measures a person's level of mindfulness in daily life. It evaluates how much time an individual spends in the present time. The scale ranges from 1 to 6 and consists of 15 items in total.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  5. Relief of Cancer-related-Fatigue

    The Relief of Cancer-related-Fatigue (BFI) is used to quickly assess the severity and impact of cancer-related fatigue. The questionnaire consists of 10 items covering six dimensions: Activity, mood, walking ability, work, relationship with others, and enjoyment of life. A score between 30 and 40 indicates moderate fatigue, scores above 70 indicate severe fatigue.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  6. Relief of Cancer-related-Fatigue

    The Relief of Cancer-related-Fatigue (BFI) is used to quickly assess the severity and impact of cancer-related fatigue. The questionnaire consists of 10 items covering six dimensions: Activity, mood, walking ability, work, relationship with others, and enjoyment of life. A score between 30 and 40 indicates moderate fatigue, scores above 70 indicate severe fatigue.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  7. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

    The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) measures subjective sleep quality. The questionnaire consists of 19 items and 7 component scores are obtained, each of which is scored from 0 (no difficulty) to 3 (severe difficulty). The component scores are summed to produce a global score (range 0 to 21). Higher scores indicate worse sleep quality.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  8. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

    The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) measures subjective sleep quality. The questionnaire consists of 19 items and 7 component scores are obtained, each of which is scored from 0 (no difficulty) to 3 (severe difficulty). The component scores are summed to produce a global score (range 0 to 21). Higher scores indicate worse sleep quality.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  9. Blood pressure

    It is defined as the force exerted by the blood on the arterial walls to circulate through the arteries and is measured in mm Hg. A normal value is considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  10. Blood pressure

    It is defined as the force exerted by the blood on the arterial walls to circulate through the arteries and is measured in mm Hg. A normal value is considered to be less than 120/80 mmHg.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  11. Heart rate

    It is defined as the number of times the heart pumps blood during a minute and is measured as the number of beats per minute. Between 60 and 100 beats per minute is considered a normal value.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  12. Heart rate

    It is defined as the number of times the heart pumps blood during a minute and is measured as the number of beats per minute. Between 60 and 100 beats per minute is considered a normal value.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  13. Food habits

    A standardized questionnaire will be used, where the following will be recorded: eating habits.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  14. Body-Mass-Index

    Body-Mass-Index (BMI) is a measure of body weight classification and is calculated based on weight and height, with the unit of measurement kg/m2. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight, between 25 and 29.9 is defined as slightly overweight and a value above 30 is called severely overweight (obesity).

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  15. Body-Mass-Index

    Body-Mass-Index (BMI) is a measure of body weight classification and is calculated based on weight and height, with the unit of measurement kg/m2. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight, between 25 and 29.9 is defined as slightly overweight and a value above 30 is called severely overweight (obesity).

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  16. Abdominal circumference

    It is an anthropometric measurement used to establish the fat accumulated in a person in the abdominal area and is measured in centimeters (cm). For women, below 80cm is low risk, 80-88cm is high risk and more than 88cm is very high.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  17. Abdominal circumference

    It is an anthropometric measurement used to establish the fat accumulated in a person in the abdominal area and is measured in centimeters (cm). For women, below 80cm is low risk, 80-88cm is high risk and more than 88cm is very high.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  18. Triglycerides

    Type of lipid found in the bloodstream and adipose tissue. Normal values are between 150-199 mg/dl, high between 200-499 mg/dl and very high values above 500 mg/dl.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  19. Triglycerides

    Type of lipid found in the bloodstream and adipose tissue. Normal values are between 150-199 mg/dl, high between 200-499 mg/dl and very high values above 500 mg/dl.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  20. Gamma-Glutamyl-Transferase

    This is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. Its normal values are between 5-40 U/L.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention).

  21. Gamma-Glutamyl-Transferase

    This is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. Its normal values are between 5-40 U/L.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  22. Fatty Liver Index

    Fatty Liver Index (FLI) is a predictor of hepatic steatosis, calculated from BMI, waist circumference, y-GT and triglycerides.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  23. Fatty Liver Index

    Fatty Liver Index (FLI) is a predictor of hepatic steatosis, calculated from BMI, waist circumference, y-GT and triglycerides.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

  24. Adverse events

    Adverse events and serious adverse events are documented. Adverse events include any adverse symptoms, illnesses, disorders, or accidents that occur during the course of the study. Serious adverse events include events occurring during the course of the study that are immediately life-threatening and/or result in serious health problems (specifically, requiring unanticipated hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization, or resulting in serious disability or incapacitation). The severity as well as the possible causal relationship with the intervention will be assessed by the study physician.

    Measured: After 7 days (end of intervention)

  25. Adverse events

    Adverse events and serious adverse events are documented. Adverse events include any adverse symptoms, illnesses, disorders, or accidents that occur during the course of the study. Serious adverse events include events occurring during the course of the study that are immediately life-threatening and/or result in serious health problems (specifically, requiring unanticipated hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization, or resulting in serious disability or incapacitation). The severity as well as the possible causal relationship with the intervention will be assessed by the study physician.

    Measured: Follow-up 3 Moths after the baseline.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted15 Dec 2023
  2. Study start15 Dec 2023
  3. Primary completion30 Dec 2024
  4. Study completion30 Sep 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Model description
Bicenter, single-arm, prospective intervention study including qualitative accompanying study
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
54 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06172088
Sponsor's protocol ID
S00805-NIM
Acronym
FREE-AI
Status last verified
Jul 2025
First submitted
2 Nov 2023
Last updated
12 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Meyer H, Koppold DA, Shaker O, Eden L, Schiffmann L, Konigorski S, Cramer H, Choi KA, Einsele H, Winkler M, Loffler C. Therapeutic Fasting as a Novel Approach to Mitigate Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients undergoing Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy: A Feasibility Study Protocol. Integr Cancer Ther. 2026 Jan-Dec;25:15347354261426272. doi: 10.1177/15347354261426272. Epub 2026 Mar 10.

    PubMed 41805449

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Fasting in people with Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Aromatase Inhibitors, run by University Hospital Tuebingen at 2 sites in Germany.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Numerical rating scale (time frame: After 7 days (end of intervention)). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06172088, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Mar 2026.

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