A cancer specialist has said that patients with aggressive brain tumors have often enquired about the potential benefits of cannabis. Clinical oncologist Jillian MacLean is leading a study at Cardiff’s Velindre Cancer Centre as part of a UK-wide Aristocrat trial, which is testing an oral spray that contains cannabinoids. The spray is intended to help patients with recurring glioblastomas alongside chemotherapy. The prognosis for patients with glioblastomas is limited, with the average being between 12 and 18 months, with few treatment options available.
Friends and family of patients who have died from glioblastoma have welcomed the Aristocrat trial. The study has been largely crowd-funded and is one of the first of its kind. Dr. MacLean noted that neuro-oncologists have noted the strides made in treating other types of tumours and cancers but have struggled to progress as much as they would like with brain tumors.
The consultant clinical oncologist stated that patients with these diagnoses sometimes try cannabis or CBD products to ease their symptoms. She is leading the trial to determine whether Sativex, a cannabis-based drug, can help patients with recurring glioblastoma when combined with chemotherapy. With this diagnosis, patients feel they have nothing to lose by trying it. The study will determine if cannabis-based treatment is helpful to patients, it will then be accessible to patients without having to source it themselves.
Areesha Evans, a fit, and healthy mother diagnosed with a glioblastoma, raised thousands of pounds for research when a lack of funding was clear. Her friend and family welcomed news of the study, as Areesha’s diagnosis was a cruel one given what little time she had left. Annabel Jones, her close friend, stressed the importance of investment in research to develop treatments for brain tumors
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