Trial Outcomes & Findings for Sulindac and Breast Density in Women at Risk of Developing Breast Cancer (NCT NCT04542135)

NCT ID: NCT04542135

Last Updated: 2026-07-17

Results Overview

The primary objective of this study is to determine if sulindac at a dose of 150 mg BID for 12 months reduces breast density in postmenopausal women at elevated risk of breast cancer when compared to a placebo control. The dependent variable is the relative change in percent breast density. Percent breast density is the estimated percentage of breast volume that appears dense versus fatty on the MRI, and relative change is calculated as the difference between the follow-up and baseline values divided by the baseline value.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE2

Target enrollment

61 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

12 months

Results posted on

2026-07-17

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Sulindac
sulindac 150 mg
Placebo
placebo pill
Overall Study
STARTED
31
30
Overall Study
6 months
28
26
Overall Study
COMPLETED
25
20
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
6
10

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Sulindac and Breast Density in Women at Risk of Developing Breast Cancer

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Sulindac
n=31 Participants
sulindac 150 mg
Placebo
n=30 Participants
placebo pill
Total
n=61 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
63 Year
n=20 Participants
57 Year
n=20 Participants
60 Year
n=40 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
31 Participants
n=20 Participants
30 Participants
n=20 Participants
61 Participants
n=40 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
0 Participants
n=40 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White
27 Participants
n=20 Participants
27 Participants
n=20 Participants
54 Participants
n=40 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 Participants
n=20 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
1 Participants
n=40 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Asian
1 Participants
n=20 Participants
1 Participants
n=20 Participants
2 Participants
n=40 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Black or African American
2 Participants
n=20 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
2 Participants
n=40 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Not available
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
2 Participants
n=20 Participants
2 Participants
n=40 Participants
Baseline breast density
23.8 percentage
n=20 Participants
18.5 percentage
n=20 Participants
22 percentage
n=40 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 12 months

Population: Linear mixed effect model for longitudinal data is used for testing the relative change in percent breast density. Participants who completed 6 months in the study and for whom percent breast density data were available were included in analysis of primary outcome.

The primary objective of this study is to determine if sulindac at a dose of 150 mg BID for 12 months reduces breast density in postmenopausal women at elevated risk of breast cancer when compared to a placebo control. The dependent variable is the relative change in percent breast density. Percent breast density is the estimated percentage of breast volume that appears dense versus fatty on the MRI, and relative change is calculated as the difference between the follow-up and baseline values divided by the baseline value.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Sulindac
n=28 Participants
sulindac 150 mg
Placebo
n=26 Participants
placebo pill
Placebo Alone
Participants who completed placebo pill alone without any aromatase inhibitors for 6 months
Placebo on Aromatase Inhibitors
Participants who completed placebo pill plus either letrozole, exemestane, or anastrozole for 6 months
Change in Percent Breast Density by MRI Between Treatment Arms
-4.85 Relative change (%) of percent density
Interval -11.29 to 1.59
-6.29 Relative change (%) of percent density
Interval -13.36 to 0.78

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Population: The secondary outcome was assessed in the same participant population as the primary outcome.

The secondary objective of this study is to determine if sulindac at a dose of 150 mg BID for 6 months reduces breast density in postmenopausal women at elevated risk of breast cancer when compared to a placebo control. The dependent variable is the relative change in percent breast density. Percent breast density is the estimated percentage of breast volume that appears dense versus fatty on the MRI, and relative change is calculated as the difference between the follow-up and baseline values divided by the baseline value.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Sulindac
n=28 Participants
sulindac 150 mg
Placebo
n=26 Participants
placebo pill
Placebo Alone
Participants who completed placebo pill alone without any aromatase inhibitors for 6 months
Placebo on Aromatase Inhibitors
Participants who completed placebo pill plus either letrozole, exemestane, or anastrozole for 6 months
Change in Percent Breast Density by MRI Between Treatment Arms
1.47 Relative change (%) of percent density
Interval -4.77 to 7.71
-2.28 Relative change (%) of percent density
Interval -8.74 to 4.18

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12 months

Population: The secondary outcome is assessed based on data from participants who were randomized and completed 6 months on study, including 28 out of 31 patients in sulindac arm and 26 out of 30 in placebo arm. 15 (53.6%) participants in the sulindac group were receiving AI therapy and 13 (46.4%) were not. In the placebo group, 13 participants (50%) were receiving AI therapy, and the remaining 13 (50%) were not receiving AI therapy.

The secondary objective is to determine if sulindac at a dose of 150 mg BID for 12 months reduces breast density in postmenopausal women at elevated risk of breast cancer when compared to a placebo control, with analyses stratified by aromatase inhibitor (AI) use. Results are reported separately for participants on AI therapy and those not on AI therapy.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Sulindac
n=13 Participants
sulindac 150 mg
Placebo
n=15 Participants
placebo pill
Placebo Alone
n=13 Participants
Participants who completed placebo pill alone without any aromatase inhibitors for 6 months
Placebo on Aromatase Inhibitors
n=13 Participants
Participants who completed placebo pill plus either letrozole, exemestane, or anastrozole for 6 months
Changes in Percent Breast Density by MRI Within and Between Treatment Arms, Stratified by Use of Aromatase Inhibitors
-3.62 Relative change (%) of percent density
Interval -12.93 to 5.69
-6.02 Relative change (%) of percent density
Interval -13.7 to 1.66
-7.37 Relative change (%) of percent density
Interval -16.98 to 2.24
-5.44 Relative change (%) of percent density
Interval -14.32 to 3.44

Adverse Events

Sulindac

Serious events: 1 serious events
Other events: 27 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Placebo

Serious events: 1 serious events
Other events: 22 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Sulindac
n=31 participants at risk
sulindac 150 mg
Placebo
n=30 participants at risk
placebo pill
Gastrointestinal disorders
Colitis
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Infections and infestations
Appendicitis perforated
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Sulindac
n=31 participants at risk
sulindac 150 mg
Placebo
n=30 participants at risk
placebo pill
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps) - Other
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Nervous system disorders
Anosmia
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Nervous system disorders
Dizziness
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Nervous system disorders
Dysgeusia
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Nervous system disorders
Headache
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Nervous system disorders
Spasticity
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Nervous system disorders
Extrapyramidal disorder
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Reproductive system and breast disorders - Other
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Irregular menstruation
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Epistaxis
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Alopecia
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Pruritus
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Eczema
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash maculo-papular
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Surgical and medical procedures
Surgical and medical procedures - Other
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
10.0%
3/30 • Number of events 3 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Vascular disorders
Hypertension
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Vascular disorders
Dizziness
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Vascular disorders
Syncope
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Vascular disorders
Hot flashes
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Eosinophilia
6.5%
2/31 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Cardiac disorders
Sinus bradycardia
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Vertigo
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal pain
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Stomach pain
6.5%
2/31 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Vomiting
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Constipation
6.5%
2/31 • Number of events 3 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Dry mouth
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Hemorrhoidal hemorrhage
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Belching
6.5%
2/31 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Bloating
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Flatulence
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Rectal hemorrhage
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Colitis
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastrointestinal Disorders
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Toothache
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
General disorders and administration site conditions
Edema limbs
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
General disorders and administration site conditions
Flu like symptoms
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
6.7%
2/30 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
General disorders and administration site conditions
General disorders and administration site conditions - Other
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
General disorders and administration site conditions
Malaise
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
General disorders and administration site conditions
Pain of skin
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Immune system disorders
Allergic reaction
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Immune system disorders
Immune system disorders - Other
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Infections and infestations
Infections and Infestations
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Infections and infestations
Infections and infestations - Other
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Infections and infestations
Shingles
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Infections and infestations
Upper respiratory infection
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Infections and infestations
Urinary tract infection
9.7%
3/31 • Number of events 6 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Hematoma
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Fracture
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Pain in extremity
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Bruising
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Fall
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
6.7%
2/30 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications - Other
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
6.7%
2/30 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Seroma
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Investigations
Alanine aminotransferase increased
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Investigations
Aspartate aminotransferase increased
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Investigations
Cholesterol high
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Investigations
Investigations - Other
6.5%
2/31 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Investigations
Alkaline phosphatase increased
6.5%
2/31 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Investigations
Anemia
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Investigations
Neutrophil count decreased
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Investigations
White blood cell decreased
6.5%
2/31 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Weight gain
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthralgia
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
6.7%
2/30 • Number of events 2 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthritis
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Breast pain
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Joint range of motion decreased
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Myalgia
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Neck pain
0.00%
0/31 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
3.3%
1/30 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Pain
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Pain in extremity
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Muscle cramp
3.2%
1/31 • Number of events 1 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months
0.00%
0/30 • from enrollment until end of follow-up, up to 13 months

Additional Information

Patricia Thompson-Carino

University of Arizona

Phone: 520-904-0270

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place