Medical Cannabis for Pancreatic Cancer

(CanPan-C Trial)

This trial tests whether medical cannabis can help manage challenging symptoms in patients with advanced pancreatic and colorectal cancer. The goal is to determine if cannabis can alleviate issues like nausea, vomiting, and pain, which often burden these patients. Participants will begin cannabis treatment either early or after a delay to assess how timing affects symptom relief. This trial may suit Minnesota residents with advanced pancreatic or colorectal cancer who are currently undergoing standard chemotherapy and have recently experienced symptoms like nausea or pain. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering a chance to contribute to important findings.

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must not be using THC products regularly and cannot be on immunotherapy or non-standard chemotherapy.

Research has shown that medical cannabis offers potential benefits for cancer patients. Studies have found that it may relieve pain and increase appetite, which can be particularly helpful for those with pancreatic cancer who often face these challenges.

Although strong evidence does not yet support cannabis as a cancer cure, a study reviewing multiple other studies found that medical cannabis is generally well-tolerated. Patients reported improvements in their health and cancer treatment experiences.

Medical cannabis is unique because it offers a potential new way to manage pancreatic cancer symptoms and side effects. Most treatments for pancreatic cancer, like chemotherapy and radiation, focus on attacking cancer cells directly. In contrast, cannabis engages the body's endocannabinoid system, which might help alleviate pain, nausea, and improve appetite, all common issues in pancreatic cancer patients. Researchers are excited about the possibility of enhancing quality of life using a more natural approach, with fewer side effects than traditional therapies. Additionally, the early and delayed cannabis administration arms might provide insights into optimal timing for symptom relief.

Research has shown that medical cannabis can help manage symptoms in cancer patients. Studies indicate that 70%–90% of patients using cannabis for cancer symptoms experience relief, including reduced swelling, increased appetite, and decreased nausea. Lab studies have found that cannabinoids, the active ingredients in cannabis, can slow the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. In this trial, participants will join either an "Early Cannabis" or "Delayed Cannabis" treatment arm to evaluate the timing of cannabis administration. Overall, these findings suggest that medical cannabis might improve the quality of life for those with advanced pancreatic cancer by reducing symptoms.¹³⁴⁶⁷