Acupuncture for treatment of joint pain secondary to aromatase inhibitor therapy in women with early breast cancer

Many women with breast cancer take a type of medication called aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to lower estrogen and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. However, more than 40% of women on these drugs develop joint pain and stiffness as a side effect — pain that often does not respond to standard pain relievers. This study is testing whether acupuncture (a technique involving thin needles inserted at specific body points) can reduce this joint pain and help women stay on their important cancer medication. You may be eligible if: - You are a woman with early-stage breast cancer - You are currently taking a third-generation aromatase inhibitor (such as anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane) - You have ongoing joint pain or stiffness in one or more joints that worsened after starting the aromatase inhibitor - Your pain score is at least 3 out of 10 on a pain scale You may NOT be eligible if: - You have previously used acupuncture for aromatase inhibitor-related joint pain - You have metastatic (advanced) breast cancer or a severe illness - You have a bleeding disorder, severe coagulopathy, or are taking warfarin or heparin - You have a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electrical device - You have a needle phobia that prevents you from receiving acupuncture - You have significant intellectual or mental impairment Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.