Faculty

Stacy D. D'Andre, M.D.

Clinical Studies

Reishi Mushroom Extract For Fatigue And/or Arthralgias In Patients With Breast Cancer On Aromatase Inhibitors: A Randomized Phase II MNCCTN Trial Mankato, Minn., Albert Lea, Minn. This phase II trial tests how well Reishi mushroom extract works in treating fatigue and/or joint/muscle pain (arthralgias/myalgias) in patients with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors. Fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias are common symptoms in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors (AI). Given the long duration of AI treatment for some women (up to 10 years), these symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and premature discontinuation of AIs, a beneficial medication. Reishi mushrooms are among several medicinal mushrooms that have been used for hundreds of years, mainly in Asian countries, to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. Reishi mushroom extracts have not been studied explicitly for treatment-induced arthralgias/myalgias, but have been shown to improve quality of life, muscular strength, pain, and flexibility. Information from this study may help researchers determine the effect of Reishi mushroom extract on fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias in breast cancer patients receiving an AI.

Reishi Mushroom Extract For Fatigue And/or Arthralgias In Patients With Breast Cancer On Aromatase Inhibitors: A Randomized Phase II MNCCTN Trial Rochester, Minn. This phase II trial tests how well Reishi mushroom extract works in treating fatigue and/or joint/muscle pain (arthralgias/myalgias) in patients with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors. Fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias are common symptoms in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors (AI). Given the long duration of AI treatment for some women (up to 10 years), these symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and premature discontinuation of AIs, a beneficial medication. Reishi mushrooms are among several medicinal mushrooms that have been used for hundreds of years, mainly in Asian countries, to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. Reishi mushroom extracts have not been studied explicitly for treatment-induced arthralgias/myalgias, but have been shown to improve quality of life, muscular strength, pain, and flexibility. Information from this study may help researchers determine the effect of Reishi mushroom extract on fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias in breast cancer patients receiving an AI.

Pilot Study Of A Wearable EEG Headband As A Meditation Device For Breast Cancer Survivors Rochester, Minn.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency of use of meditation (a stress management technique) among breast cancer survivors.
Topical Cannabidiol (CBD) For The Treatment Of Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Pilot Trial Mankato, Minn., Rochester, Minn., Albert Lea, Minn.
The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate whether topical CBD improves chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), compared to placebo, and to evaluate side effects from topical CBD cream use, compared to placebo.
Treatment Of Established Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy With N-Palmitoylethanolamide, A Cannabimimetic Nutraceutical: A Randomized Double-Blind Phase II Pilot Trial Eau Claire, Wis., Rochester, Minn.
The purpose of this study the efectiveness of PEA (N-palmitoylethanolamide) at two different doses relative to placebo responses, as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN). Also, to assess the safety of PEA at the two study doses, and to evaluate changes in patient-reported symptoms and quality of life from baseline to the end of 8 weeks.