Can a cannabis-based medicine help treat aggressive brain tumors? Scientists in the UK are getting closer to answering that question. Ongoing lab research is about to become real-world as the project just recruited its first volunteers.
The ARISTOCRAT study on the effectiveness of Sativex, a cannabis-based mouth spray in treating recurrent brain tumors is considered one of the first in the world and is currently underway. It was first announced some two years ago with Cancer charities and the UK’s National Health Services planning a study to determine if Satviex combined with chemotherapy medication -temozolomide – can help kill glioblastoma tumor cells and extend the overall length of patients’ lives.
Glioblastoma is the most common, fast-growing, and aggressive brain tumor. Composed of diverse cell types, it always carries a poor prognosis.
“We are delighted to announce that, thanks to the support and generosity of so many in the brain tumor community, the ARISTOCRAT trial has recruited its first patients,” Dr. David Jenkinson, chief scientific officer at The Brain Tumour Charity, stated. “We are really excited that this world-first trial, being run here in the UK, could help accelerate a cure for this devastating disease. In the last decade, there has been significant interest from both patients and researchers about the potential for cannabinoids to treat glioblastomas. And we are so grateful to everyone across the world who helped to fund such an important study.”
The organization …