Virginia Via Research Day Book 2026

Medical Student Research Clinical

11 INVESTIGATING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AROMATASE INHIBITOR THERAPY AND RADIATION-INDUCED MORPHEA IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

Erin L. Onken, BS, OMS-III; Samantha Carranza, BS, MS-II; Heidi S. David, BA, MS-II; Neha Dhaliwal, MS, OMS-II; Damini Patel, BS, MS-III; Amal Umerani, MPH, MS-II; Rebecca C. Olsen, DO Corresponding author: Nkomon@vcom.edu

VCOM-Virginia, Blacksburg, Virginia Wayne State School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan Northwest Medical Center Transitional Year Residency Program, Tucson, Arizona Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

radiotherapy, but may also appear years later, and can mimic other dermatologic or oncologic conditions, complicating diagnosis. Methotrexate, alone or with corticosteroids, demonstrated potential in arresting disease progression and preventing irreversible soft tissue atrophy. Patients on aromatase inhibitors may require heightened vigilance due to potential amplification of profibrotic pathways. Conclusion(s): Radiation-induced morphea is a rare but serious complication of breast radiotherapy. Periodic dermatologic monitoring, particularly for patients currently or previously receiving aromatase inhibitors, enables earlier recognition and timely management. Methotrexate-based therapy may be effective in limiting disease progression and minimizing long-term tissue damage.

Context: Radiation-induced morphea (RIM) is a rare but potentially debilitating complication of breast radiotherapy, characterized by localized dermal fibrosis that may extend beyond irradiated fields. Aromatase inhibitors, commonly prescribed in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors, reduce estrogen levels and may amplify profibrotic pathways, potentially complicating the diagnosis and management of RIM. Misdiagnosis as cellulitis, mastitis, post-radiation fibrosis, or recurrent cancer contributes to delayed treatment and poor outcomes, including breast induration, chronic pain, and disfigurement. Objective and/or Hypothesis: To determine the relationship between aromatase inhibitor therapy and the development, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes of radiation induced morphea in breast cancer survivors. Results: RIM can arise within 3–12 months post

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182 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)