Medical cannabis and cancer research gets $1.5 million boost

A new Australian study will explore the use of medical cannabis to prevent side effects of ‘toxic’ cancer treatment.

The University of Adelaide has been awarded Government funding of $1.5 million to study how the use of personalised medicinal cannabis dosing could prevent common and impactful symptoms of advanced cancer treatment. 

The Medical Research Future Fund investment was awarded to Dr Hannah Wardill for the Cancan trial – a large clinical study which aims to guide clinical practice.

“Cancer therapies are highly toxic and cause a constellation of physical and psychosocial symptoms that negatively impact quality of life, dose intensity and survival,” Dr Wardill said.

“Recent attention has centred on the use of medicinal cannabis for the management of these symptoms. While largely driven by patients and their advocates, the use of cannabis in this context has challenged medical professionals who feel ill-equipped to guide their patients due to the lack of empirical evidence.

“The Cancan trial will show that targeting gut distress, due to mucosal injury, with medical cannabis will improve patient wellbeing and maintenance of intended dosing.”

Dr Wardill also hopes that the personalised CBD and THC preparation will “prevent and manage clusters of related side effects of cancer therapy” including detrimental effects to sleep, appetite, mood, pain and fatigue.

Professor Anton Middelberg, deputy vice-chancellor says the University of Adelaide has a strategic commitment to tackling the grand challenge of improving health and wellbeing for all society.

He commented: “This funding announcement allows our researchers to deliver on our health priority and to potentially improve the quality of life of those undergoing cancer treatment,” Professor Middelberg said.