Antibiotics vs Corticosteroids in Treatment of Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis

What is this study about?

This research is being done at AIIMS Bhubaneswar to find the best medical treatment for a breast condition called Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis (GLM).

GLM is a rare, long-lasting inflammation of the breast that mainly affects young and middle-aged women, often those who have recently had children. It can look very similar to breast cancer or a breast abscess, causing anxiety and sometimes unnecessary surgery.

Common symptoms include:

Painful or painless breast lump

Swelling, redness, or abscess (collection of pus)

Discharge from the nipple or retraction (nipple pulled inward)

Skin changes over the breast It can occur in one or both breasts and may come back after treatment.

Why is this study important?

At present, there is no single, standard treatment for GLM. Doctors use antibiotics, steroids, immunosuppressants (like methotrexate), or surgery - but the results vary widely. Some medicines help one patient but not another, and some cause unwanted side effects or recurrences.

This study aims to compare antibiotics and steroids directly, to identify which gives better and faster healing with fewer side effects. The goal is to develop a clear, step-by-step treatment plan for all patients with GLM.

What will happen in this study? Who can take part?

Women diagnosed with GLM by biopsy (tissue test).

Participants must be willing to attend regular follow-ups.

Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic (uncontrolled), on other immunosuppressive treatment, or allergic to study drugs cannot participate.

How the study works:

First step (screening):

All participants will receive a short course of antibiotics for 14 days.

If the infection improves, treatment continues outside the study.

If it doesn't improve, the person will be included in the main trial.

Random assignment:

Patients will be randomly divided into two groups:

Group A - Antibiotic group: Receives clarithromycin, ofloxacin, and rifaximin tablets for 8 weeks.

Group B - Steroid group: Receives prednisolone (steroid tablets) in reducing doses for 8 weeks.

Review after 2 months:

Doctors will check whether the breast swelling and pain are gone.

If completely cured (called Complete Clinical Response or CCR), medicines are stopped.

If not cured, the patient is given an additional medicine (methotrexate + folic acid) for 8 weeks.

If still not improved:

The treatment groups are switched (antibiotic patients receive steroids, and vice versa).

If there's still no recovery, surgery (like abscess drainage or lump removal) will be considered.

Throughout the study, symptoms, side effects, and any need for surgery will be recorded carefully.

How long does participation last?

Each participant will be followed for around 6 months - this includes treatment, monitoring, and follow-up visits.

Possible benefits for participants

Regular medical check-ups, follow-ups, and investigations by specialist doctors.

Chance of receiving an effective, well-monitored treatment plan.

Early detection of complications and quick medical management.

Contribution to medical knowledge that may help future patients avoid prolonged or incorrect treatment.

Possible side effects or risks

All medicines used in this study are commonly prescribed and generally safe under supervision.

However, possible side effects may include:

For antibiotics: stomach upset, nausea, mild diarrhea, or allergy (rare).

For steroids: weight gain, bloating, mood changes, increased appetite, or joint pain.

For methotrexate: mild fatigue, nausea, or rare liver enzyme changes (monitored closely).

Doctors will monitor all participants closely and adjust or stop treatment if any problems arise.

Any abscess or fluid collection will be drained if needed, and pain will be managed with appropriate medicines.

Confidentiality and voluntary participation

All personal information will be kept strictly confidential. Participants' names will not appear in any reports or publications. Joining this study is completely voluntary. You may leave the study at any time without affecting your future medical care.

Costs and compensation

All investigations and medicines that are part of routine care are free or low-cost.

The average expected expense is about ₹2500, which includes only the patient's regular medical costs.

If any research-related injury occurs, the hospital will provide free treatment.

Expected outcomes

By comparing results between antibiotics and steroids, this study aims to:

Identify which treatment helps more women achieve complete healing faster.

Understand which drugs have fewer side effects.

Reduce the need for surgery and recurrence.

Develop a standardized treatment protocol for GLM.

If antibiotics are found to be equally effective or better, they could become the first-line, low-cost, safer option - especially in areas with limited resources.

If steroids prove superior, their dosage and duration can be refined to minimize side effects.

Study time - 2 years

Inclusion criteria

• Women histologically diagnosed with GLM willing to participate in the study and to come for follow up.

Exclusion criteria

• Declining to participate in the study
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Patient already on antibiotic/steroid therapy and are responding to treatment
• Known immunosuppression or diabetes mellitus uncontrolled
• Patient already on immunosuppression therapy for any other disorder
• Lost to follow-up before 3 months post-treatment
• Allergic to one of the antibiotics/steroids which will be used
• Contraindications to oral steroids therapy
• Contraindications to methotrexate therapy