Therapeutic options for aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review of systematic reviews, evidence mapping, and network meta-analysis

Aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia (AIA) is a common problem in breast cancer survivors and is associated with noncompliance with aromatase inhibitor therapy. The aim of this research was to assess the current evidence for the various therapeutic options available for AIA. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects for systematic reviews of trials investigating treatments for AIA to June 2018. Eligible systematic reviews were subjected to evidence mapping and the randomized controlled trials included in the systematic reviews were hand-searched for a network meta analysis. Six systematic reviews were included in the evidence mapping. Acupuncture was the most common treatment modality studied (four randomized controlled trials), and pharmacological interventions, aerobic exercise, Nordic walking, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D were assessed less frequently. In view of the limitations in the overall confidence level for each review, the evidence for acupuncture as an effective treatment for AIA was considered low. Second, data from 6 randomized controlled trials were included in the network meta-analysis. When compared with a waiting list control, acupuncture (mean difference [MD] -2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.16, -0.84), aerobic exercise (MD -0.80, 95% CI-1.33, -0.016), and omega-3 fatty acids (MD -2.10, 95% CI -3.23, -0.97) significantly improved pain severity scores. Network meta-analysis of adverse events was not possible because of poor reporting. Acupuncture is presently the most widely investigated intervention but is recommended for MA with low overall confidence based on the current evidence.