Sativex Shows Promise in Extending Survival for Glioblastoma Patients
Sativex, a cannabis-based medication, shows potential in extending survival for glioblastoma patients, according to a Phase II clinical trial by GW Pharmaceuticals
Key Points
- 1GW Pharmaceuticals reports positive Phase II trial results for Sativex in glioblastoma
- 2Sativex extended survival in glioblastoma patients compared to placebo
- 3The trial involved 21 patients, showing well-tolerated treatment effects
- 4Sativex is not a cure but offers hope for extended survival
- 5GW Pharmaceuticals plans further research into cannabinoids for cancer treatment
GW Pharmaceuticals has announced promising results from a Phase II clinical trial involving Sativex, a cannabis-based medication, for patients with recurrent glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer. The trial, which included 21 participants, demonstrated that those treated with Sativex lived significantly longer than those who received a placebo
Glioblastoma is a severe and rapidly spreading brain tumor with a grim prognosis. Patients often experience debilitating symptoms, and survival rates are low, with only 28.4% surviving past the first year and a mere 3.4% reaching the five-year mark. Sativex, which contains a blend of THC and CBD, was previously approved in France for treating spasticity in multiple sclerosis and is now being explored for its potential benefits in oncology
The clinical trial involved 21 patients divided into two groups: 12 received Sativex, while 9 were given a placebo. Results indicated an average survival of 550 days for the Sativex group compared to 369 days for the placebo group. Additionally, 83% of the patients on Sativex survived at least one year, compared to 53% of those on the placebo. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no significant changes in patients' vital signs
Professor Susan Short from the Institute of Cancer and Pathology at Saint James University Hospital in Leeds highlighted the significance of these findings. She stated that the combination of THC and CBD with high-dose temozolomide showed significant survival improvements, suggesting a potential new avenue for glioblastoma treatment. GW Pharmaceuticals' CEO Justin Gover expressed optimism about the role of cannabinoids in cancer treatment, indicating plans to explore their application in other cancer types
While the trial results are encouraging, Sativex is not a cure for glioblastoma. The treatment extends survival time rather than eliminating the cancer. This development marks a positive turn for GW Pharmaceuticals, especially following a previous setback with a colitis ulcerative treatment in 2014. The findings underscore the potential for cannabinoid-based therapies in oncology, offering hope for future advancements in cancer treatment