Australia: NSW Hosts First Clinical Trial of Cannabis for Chemotherapy Patients

5 December 2016

This is what the NSW Govt are saying

This NSW Government-funded trial is the world’s largest and most definitive clinical trial ever of medicinal cannabis for the prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

It will play a critical role in developing a better understanding of how cannabis products may provide relief to patients undergoing chemotherapy who have not had their symptoms controlled by standard treatments.

Associate Professor Peter Grimison from Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown will lead the trial in association with The University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and leading NSW cancer centres.

About the trial

The research will be using an oral, plant-derived, pharmaceutical-grade capsule containing consistent amounts of delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), developed by Canadian medicinal cannabis company Tilray.

The first stage of the study is expected to enrol 80 patients at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and other leading cancer sites in NSW. If the data from these participants shows the medicine works and is well tolerated, it will be followed by a double-blinded randomised controlled trial expected to enrol 250 patients at several NSW hospitals.

The trial will measure the participants’ symptoms, their relief from symptoms and any side effects. It will be conducted in accordance with the standard ethical process for clinical trials .

Participating in the trial

Many people who undergo chemotherapy respond well to standard therapies to prevent any symptoms of nausea and vomiting that may accompany this important cancer treatment. However, about one-third of people do not gain complete relief from their symptoms from these therapies.

Participants considered to join the trial will be over 18 years of age, be undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and have significant symptoms during their first cycle of chemotherapy despite being given the best standard of care.

For information on the process for enrolment, please contact your oncologist to discuss the eligibility criteria. 

For more general information on the trials:

  • call the Cannabis Trials Help Line on 1800 217 257
  • write to Cannabis Trials, NSW Ministry of Health, Locked Mail Bag 961, North Sydney, NSW 2059
  • email the NSW Ministry of Health cannabistrial@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

For more information about cancer services in NSW visit the Cancer Institute NSW website www.cancerinstitute.org.au

Here are a couple of information sheet published by the dept

FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS

cinv_patient_factsheet

FACT SHEET FOR MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS

cinv_medicalpractitioner_factsheet

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