A 1:1 CBD:THC Ratio Doubles Brain Cancer Survival Rates in a Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Summary: A 2021 clinical trial demonstrates that Nabiximols (Sativex), an FDA-approved oromucosal spray with 1:1 ratio of CBD:THC, improves temozolomide's (TMZ) effectiveness in treating glioblastoma, an aggressive type of cancer that originates in the brain or spinal cord, potentially improving patient outcomes.

This research offers a promising new approach to potentially extending the survival of glioblastoma patients, a group that has historically faced limited treatment options, poor prognoses, and high mortality rates. While other agents have been tested, cannabinoids are the first to have the efficacy, low toxicity, tolerability, and brain-blood barrier penetration demonstrated in the study.

---

A 2021 randomised, placebo-controlled trial, led by researchers from the University of Leeds' Leeds Institute of Medical Research and the St. James University Hospital's Department of Oncology, presents novel findings on the safety and efficacy of nabiximols, an oromucosal spray with a 1:1 blend of CBD:THC, in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy for patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). Results were promising, showing that nabiximols is well-tolerated and could be personalized for individual dosing.

Most notably, the trial reported a significant increase in one-year survival rates for patients treated with nabiximols compared to those on placebo, suggesting an improvement in treatment outcomes for GBM. These findings highlight the medical significance of cannabinoids as a complementary therapy in GBM, offering new hope for extending patient survival in a disease with very few effective treatment options.

CBD and THC: A new hope for glioblastoma patients?

In the relentless battle against glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer, a ray of hope emerges from the synergy of cannabinoids and chemotherapy.

A recent Phase 1b clinical trial has shed light on the potential of nabiximols, a cannabinoid oromucosal spray, to extend the lives of patients suffering from recurrent GBM when combined with the chemotherapy drug temozolomide (TMZ).

The trial was divided into two parts: an open-label phase and a randomized, placebo-controlled phase. Both phases aimed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of nabiximols in conjunction with dose of TMZ.

The results were promising, with the nabiximols group showing a one-year survival rate of 83% compared to 44% for the placebo group. This significant difference, although based on a small sample size, suggests that cannabinoids could play a crucial role in improving outcomes for GBM patients.

The trial’s findings also indicate that nabiximols is well-tolerated and can be personalized to each patient’s needs without interfering with the pharmacokinetics of TMZ. The median overall survival (OS) for patients treated with nabiximols was estimated at 21.8 months, markedly higher than the 12.1 months for those on placebo. These figures are particularly striking considering the typically dismal prognosis for recurrent GBM.

The trial’s strengths lie in its personalized approach and rigorous placebo control, which lend credibility to the survival benefits observed. However, limitations such as the small number of participants and potential imbalances in patient characteristics warrant cautious interpretation of the results. The trial’s design did not account for detailed tumor classification or the impact of post-trial treatments, which could influence survival outcomes.

The trial concludes that nabiximols, in combination with TMZ, is a feasible and safe treatment option for recurrent GBM patients.

While the observed survival benefits are encouraging, they underscore the need for further research through a larger, adequately powered randomized controlled trial. The journey to find a cure for GBM is fraught with challenges, but this study offers a glimmer of hope and a potential new avenue for treatment that could change the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.

Read: CBD With TMZ May Improve Brain Cancer Survival Rates

Where to find high-quality CBD oils.

You can find high-quality, organic CBD in several My Supply Co. formulas. All of them are organic, non-GMO, free of fillers and preservatives, and are formulated with MCT oil made from sustainably harvested coconuts.

Full Spectrum, our clinical-strength full-spectrum CBD oil, is your SPF (stress protection factor). Up to 50mg of Full Spectrum CBD oil twice daily helps reduce anxiety and alleviate the emotional, hormonal, psychological, and physical manifestations of stress.

Isolate, our clinical-grade CBD isolate oil, is your daily support for mood, focus, and mental clarity. Up to 150mg of Isolate CBD oil twice daily helps to keep you calm cool and collected.

For sleep that helps you repair and recover, night after night, you may be interested in one of our CBD-infused Sleep Solutions.

Fall and stay asleep with CBD Sleep Solution, a science-backed combination of potent herbs used for thousands of years to promote calm and ease you into restful sleep.

1:1 Sleep Solution takes CBD Sleep Solution a step further by adding THC, helping to relieve pain and inflammation and promote recovery from an active lifestyle.

Sleep fast and deep with CBN Sleep Solution, a melatonin-free alternative to 1:1 Sleep Solution that helps you optimize your healing power at night.

For a clean, minimalist blend of CBD and THC, try one of our Ratios, available in a 1 CBD : 1 THC Oil and 3 CBD : 1 THC Oil.

About this psychopharmacology research news.

Simple summary.

The clinical trial explored the efficacy of nabiximols, a cannabinoid spray containing THC and CBD, in conjunction with temozolomide chemotherapy for patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The study found that nabiximols was well-tolerated and personalized dosing was feasible, with no significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of temozolomide. Importantly, the trial reported a notable increase in one-year survival rates for patients receiving nabiximols compared to the placebo group, suggesting that cannabinoids may have a beneficial role in glioblastoma treatment, meriting further research in larger, controlled trials to confirm these preliminary findings and to understand the mechanisms by which cannabinoids may influence tumor behavior and patient survival.

Abstract.

Background: Preclinical data suggest some cannabinoids may exert antitumour effects against glioblastoma (GBM). Safety and preliminary efficacy of nabiximols oromucosal cannabinoid spray plus dose-intense temozolomide (DIT) was evaluated in patients with first recurrence of GBM.

Methods: Part 1 was open-label and Part 2 was randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Both required individualised dose escalation. Patients received nabiximols (Part 1, n = 6; Part 2, n = 12) or placebo (Part 2 only, n = 9); maximum of 12 sprays/day with DIT for up to 12 months. Safety, efficacy, and temozolomide (TMZ) pharmacokinetics (PK) were monitored.

Results: The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs; both parts) were vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and headache. Most patients experienced TEAEs that were grade 2 or 3 (CTCAE). In Part 2, 33% of both nabiximols- and placebo-treated patients were progression-free at 6 months. Survival at 1 year was 83% for nabiximols- and 44% for placebo-treated patients (p = 0.042), although two patients died within the first 40 days of enrolment in the placebo arm. There were no apparent effects of nabiximols on TMZ PK.

Conclusions: With personalised dosing, nabiximols had acceptable safety and tolerability with no drug–drug interaction identified. The observed survival differences support further exploration in an adequately powered randomised controlled trial.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: Part 1– NCT01812603; Part 2– NCT01812616.

Shop every spectrum of CBD oils.

Explore our CBD:THC oils.

We also have THC oils.