UK to test Sativex to treat brain tumors

Sativex, a THC:CBD oral spray, will be tested in an upcoming study on the treatment of an aggressive form of cancer known as glioblastoma.

The Brain Tumor Charity, an organization dedicated to advancing research into cures for brain tumors, is seeking £450,000 to fund the Sativex trial, which will be led by Professor Susan Short of the University of Leeds.

«We believe that Sativex can kill glioblastoma tumor cells and that it may be particularly effective when administered alongside temozolomide chemotherapy,» she said. «It could therefore enhance the effects of chemotherapy by halting the growth of these tumors, which would allow patients to live longer. That is what we want to test in this study.».

The study will involve the recruitment of 232 patients in early 2022, selected from about 15 different hospitals and cancer centers in the United Kingdom. To assess the effectiveness of Sativex, researchers will administer Sativex to two-thirds of the patients and a placebo to the remaining one-third.

Approved by the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom in 2009, Sativex contains both THC and CBD. It has been approved in France since 2013 for patients with multiple sclerosis, but has never been sold in pharmacies due to a lack of agreement between the distributor and the French authorities on the price of the spray. The medication is known for its ability to reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety.

According to the Guardian, approximately 2,200 people are diagnosed with glioblastoma each year in the United Kingdom. It is an aggressive cancer that is difficult to treat successfully and almost always recurs, even when other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy are used. Generally, patients who are diagnosed do not survive more than 18 months.

«We hope this trial could pave the way for a new, long-awaited lifeline that would give glioblastoma patients precious extra months to live and create memories with their loved ones,» said David Jenkinson, interim CEO of the Brain Tumor Charity. «We know there is significant interest in our community regarding the potential use of cannabinoids in the treatment of glioblastomas, and we are truly delighted that this first global trial here in the United Kingdom can help accelerate these findings.»

The father of Tom Daley, an Olympic 10-meter synchronized diver who won a gold medal in Tokyo last week, has died of a brain tumor. Mr. Daley recently made a video highlighting the potential of this trial and what it could mean for people who are currently suffering, and their families.

«We are reaching out to all of you—individual heroes and supporters—to help fund this groundbreaking trial,» he said in the video. «When you make a donation, you’ll receive a link to your honor badge on social media. Join our community; spread the word and help us pave the way to defeating brain tumors.»

Sativex, a Potential Lifesaver

Glioblastoma is considered a common, devastating condition for patients like Stephen Lee. He participated in an early-phase trial conducted in 2015.

«My diagnosis came very suddenly, and it was one of those days you never forget. After having to leave work early with a severe headache and a throbbing pain in my right eye, my wife insisted that we go straight to the hospital, given what my brother had gone through,» he told BBC News.

He doesn't know whether he received Sativex or a placebo at the time, but he is eager to see how this trial turns out. «This new trial is very important because it will give people hope that there may be life beyond a glioblastoma diagnosis, and that there are other treatments being tested to help them live their lives.»

Between now and August 10, donations for this trial will be collected by The Big Give. «If the results of this trial are positive, it could pave the way for a new treatment option that would allow people with recurrent glioblastoma to spend precious time with their loved ones,» wrote The Brain Tumor Charity on its website.