Writing therapy eases breast cancer drug side effects, study finds

NCT ID NCT04651452

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Carnegie Mellon University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a simple writing exercise about personal values could reduce physical symptoms and stress, and improve medication adherence in 250 breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors. Participants wrote one essay per month for six months, either about their core values or a neutral topic. The study measured symptoms, stress, and medication use with electronic pill bottles.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Value affirmation writing tasks
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to help breast cancer patients manage side effects and stick with their medication.
What could go wrong: This is a completed behavioral study, not a drug trial. The benefits may be small or not last long, and results may not apply to all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BREAST CANCER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BREAST CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.