A Clinical Trial of Medicinal Cannabis for Patients with High Grade Gliomas (Research Article)

What this article will cover

What this article will cover

About

This clinical trial assessed the tolerability of two different ratios of medicinal cannabis (THC and CBD) in 88 adults with a high grade glioma. The study showed that one nightly dose of medicinal cannabis was safe to use, well tolerated and had no serious adverse effects. In addition, sleep, quality of life and functional wellbeing significantly improved.

Audience

Carer, Healthcare professional, Patient

Summary

This randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Prince of Wales Private Hospital in NSW. It tested the tolerability of two different doses of medicinal cannabis in 1:1 and 4:1 ratio of THC:CBD (1:1 THC 4.6mg/ml:CBD 4.8mg/ml and 4:1 THC 15mg/ml:CBD 3.8mg/ml). Patients with a diagnosis of a glioblastoma or astrocytoma AA3r were randomised to a 1:1 or 4:1 group and took a nightly dose of medicinal cannabis over 12 weeks.

Medicinal cannabis was well tolerated in both groups with the main side effects being dry mouth, tiredness at night, dizziness and drowsiness, which improved over the course of the trial. There was no difference between the 1:1 and 4:1 group in relation to MRI-assessed tumour status (stable, reduced, progressed). Physical and functional wellbeing as well as sleep and contentment with quality of life improved and favoured the 1:1 group. The article is well written and easy to read.

If you want to hear a summary of the study listen to Judith Lacey, investigator of the study and guest speaker at our Q&A Webinar: Exercise, Nutrition, & Wellbeing from minute 33:30.

Full text

The full text is attached below.

Research publication

Schloss, J., Lacey, J., Sinclair, J., Steel, A., Sughrue, M., Sibbritt, D., & Teo, C. (2021). A Phase 2 Randomised Clinical Trial Assessing the Tolerability of Two Different Ratios of Medicinal Cannabis in Patients With High Grade Gliomas. Front Oncol, 11, 649555. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.649555

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