Sativex is used in the world’s first brain tumor study
Sativex, the oral cannabis spray, was selected to be used in an upcoming study to treat an aggressive cancer known as glioblastoma.
The Brain Tumor Charity, an organization that seeks to advance research into the cure for brain tumors, is asking for £ 450,000 to fund the Sativex study, led by Professor Susan Short of the University of Leeds.
“We believe that Sativex can kill glioblastoma tumor cells and that it can be particularly effective when given with temozolomide chemotherapy,” she said. “… It can increase the effects of chemotherapy by stopping these tumors from growing and allowing patients to live longer. We want to test that in the study. ”
The study will include the enrollment of 232 patients selected from around 15 different hospitals and cancer centers in the UK in early 2022. To test the effectiveness of Sativex, the researchers will give two-thirds of the patients with Sativex and the remaining third with a placebo.
Approved by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) in 2009, Sativex contains both THC and CBD and has been shown to be an effective drug through its entourage effect. It is already used in patients with multiple sclerosis. The medicine is known for its ability to relieve pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
The Guardian states that an estimated 2,200 people are diagnosed with glioblastoma each year in the UK. It is aggressive, difficult to treat successfully, and almost always returns even after other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy are used. Typically, patients diagnosed do not live more than 18 months.
“We hope that this study could pave the way for a long-awaited new lifeline that could provide glioblastoma patients with valuable extra months of life and memories with loved ones,” said David Jenkinson, interim chief executive of the Brain Tumor Chairty. “We know there is a lot of interest in our community in the potential activity of cannabinoids in the treatment of glioblastoma, and we are thrilled that this world’s first study here in the UK could help accelerate those responses.”
The father of Tom Daley, an Olympian in the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform jumping who won a gold medal in Tokyo last week, died of a brain tumor. Daley recently made a video announcing the potential of this process and its importance to those currently suffering and their families.
“We’re reaching out to all of the individual heroes and supporters to fund this groundbreaking process,” he said in the video. “When you donate, you will receive a link for your social media badge. Join our community; spread the word and help us pave the way to defeat brain tumors. “
Sativex as a potential savior
Glioblastoma is considered a common disease that is devastating to patients like Stephen Lee. He participated in an early phase of the study that was conducted in 2015.
“My diagnosis came very suddenly and was one of those days that you never forget. After my wife left work early with a severe headache and sharp pain in her right eye, she insisted that we go to the hospital immediately after what my brother experienced, ”he told BBC News.
He doesn’t know if he got Sativex or a placebo at the time, but he’s excited to see how this study develops. “This new study is so important because it will give people hope that there could be life beyond a glioblastoma diagnosis and that other treatments will be tried to help them live their lives.”
The Big Give will double donations for this study through August 10th. “If the result of this study is positive, it could pave the way for a new treatment option that could help people with relapses [glioblastoma] valuable extra time with loved ones, ”The Brain Tumor Charity wrote on its website.
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