Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are routinely prescribed as adjuvant hormonal therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Aromatase inhibition with its profound estradiol (estrogen) depletion, is associated with an increased risk of low bone mineral density and osteoporosis with increased fracture risk. The potential impact of AIs and their resulting hormone ablation on oral health and oral health related quality of life in women with breast cancer is undefined. A project will be conducted at University of Michigan in a multidisciplinary environment. A cross-sectional study will be used to assess the prevalence of oral symptoms among 150 post-menopausal women with a history of early stage breast cancer receiving adjuvant AI therapy and 150 postmenopausal women without cancer recruited from the University of Michigan Health System in Southeastern Michigan. Comprehensive oral examinations (including assessment of mucosal lesions, periodontal measures, dental caries, oral x-rays, oral fluid, and tooth loss examination will be performed). Questionnaires assessing socio-demographic and behavioral factors as well as quality of life information will be administered to all participants. Logistic regression modeling will be used to analyze the strengths of associations as appropriate. This proposal provides a comprehensive plan for the career development of Dr. Linda Susan Taichman in the area of oral health as it pertains to adjuvant therapy and breast cancer survivorship. Short-term goals are to acquire skills in clinical research expertise in patient centered studies and to gain knowledge of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor related oral effects necessary for independent investigations of endocrine therapies and oral health. Long-term goals are to strengthen the linkage between Medical education and Dentistry by developing evidence-based physician guideline strategies aimed at improving the health and healthcare of breast cancer survivors. The didactic training and mentored research activities will provide Dr. Taichman with the foundation from which she can submit highly competitive grant applications in the final years of the award and develop future studies to understand optimal oral care for breast cancer survivors. The proposed research is relevant to that part of NIDCR's mission that pertains to developing fundamental knowledge concerning oral health related effects of cancer therapies. Ultimately, this information may improve the dental health professional's and the oncologist's ability to anticipate and mitigate oral toxicities from AI therapy.

Public Health Relevance

This project will explore oral health in the context of aromatase inhibitors. A constellation of clinical oral health assessments, periodontal biomarkers and oral health related quality of life data will be used for understanding how current therapeutic modalities impact not just the cancer, but the risk for development of oral health problems. Patients, dental professionals and medical oncologists will benefit from a greater understanding of the best oral care follow up practices of breast cancer survivors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)
Project #
1K23DE021779-01
Application #
8091578
Study Section
NIDCR Special Grants Review Committee (DSR)
Program Officer
King, Lynn M
Project Start
2011-08-01
Project End
2016-07-31
Budget Start
2011-08-01
Budget End
2012-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$119,660
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
073133571
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109
Eagle, Iwonka; Benavides, Erika; Eber, Robert et al. (2016) Periodontal health in breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors versus postmenopausal controls: a longitudinal analysis. J Clin Periodontol 43:659-67
Taichman, L Susan; Van Poznak, Catherine H; Inglehart, Marita R (2016) Self-reported oral health and quality of life of postmenopausal breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors and women without cancer diagnoses: a longitudinal analysis. Support Care Cancer 24:4815-24
Taichman, L Susan; Inglehart, Marita R; Giannobile, William V et al. (2015) Periodontal Health in Women With Early-Stage Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Newly on Aromatase Inhibitors: A Pilot Study. J Periodontol 86:906-16
Taichman, L Susan; Griggs, Jennifer J; Inglehart, Marita R (2015) Periodontal health, perceived oral health, and dental care utilization of breast cancer survivors. J Public Health Dent 75:148-56
Taichman, L Susan; Gomez, Grace; Inglehart, Marita Rohr (2015) Oral Health-Related Complications of Breast Cancer Treatment: Assessing Dental Hygienists' Knowledge and Professional Practice. J Dent Hyg 89 Suppl 2:22-37
Taichman, L Susan; Gomez, Grace; Inglehart, Marita Rohr (2014) Oral health-related complications of breast cancer treatment: assessing dental hygienists' knowledge and professional practice. J Dent Hyg 88:100-13
Taichman, L Susan; Havens, Aaron M; Van Poznak, Catherine H (2013) Potential implications of adjuvant endocrine therapy for the oral health of postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 137:23-32
Taichman, L Susan; Sohn, Woosung; Kolenic, Giselle et al. (2012) Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate use and periodontal health in 15- to 44-year-old US females. J Periodontol 83:1008-17