Research, Funding, and Awards

  • Aromatase Inhibitor Study: Enrolling Participants

    AIMIC Study: Enrolling Participants

    We are recruiting women with stage 0-III estrogen positive breast cancer who are taking aromatase inhibitors. This study is done to better understand the role of the gut microbiome (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in the human gastrointestinal tract) in protecting against and/or predisposing to musculoskeletal symptoms (e.g., joint pain or stiffness, bone pain, etc.) in breast cancer survivors receiving aromatase inhibitors. This study was approved by the UConn Health IRB, Protocol #22-199S-1.

    Who is eligible?

    • Currently receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy, including anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole(Femara), and exemestane (Aromasin), etc.
      • Ages 30-79 years
      • Willing to participate in a one-time study visit of a 2-hour session which involves completing questionnaires about pain, diet, and activity as well as providing saliva and at home stool samples
      • No diagnosed chronic gastrointestinal tract disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.)
        • Able to speak and read English

    All participants will receive up to $120 upon completion of the study ($80 for completing surveys and providing a saliva sample, an additional $20 for the receipt of a stool sample plus an extra payment of $20 for participating in pain quantitative sensory testing).

    This study involves a single visit, 2-hour session either at the UConn School of Nursing Biobehavioral Lab on Storrs or Farmington campus (parking for all visits is free). The study session can also be available remotely.

    For more information, contact: the study PI (GeeSu Yang) at yanglab@uconn.edu (Tel: 860-341- 1778) or visit https://bbl.nursing.uconn.edu/aimic-study/.