Medicinal cannabis for symptom control in advanced cancer: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial of 1:1 tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Patients with cancer commonly access cannabis hoping to relieve their symptoms. This study assessed whether a 1:1 10 mg/ml THC:CBD combination oil could improve total symptom burden in patients with advanced cancer over that provided by palliative care alone.

Methods

Participants were randomised to medicinal cannabis (MC) or placebo oil; dose escalated over 14 days according to tolerance and efficacy and continued to day 28. Symptoms assessed using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) were summated to give a total symptom distress score (TSDS). The primary outcome measure was the change from baseline in TSDS at day 14. Secondary outcomes included individual symptom scores, opioid use, participant-selected dose, QoL, psychological symptoms, global impression o

SUBMITTER: Hardy JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12289739 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature