Topical Cannabidiol for Established Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: A Pilot Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

• Published in: Cannabis and cannabinoid research
• Main Authors: D'Andre, Stacy, Novotny, Paul, Walters, Camille, Lewis-Peters, Susie, Thomé, Stephan, Tofthagen, Cindy S, Giridhar, Karthik V, Loprinzi, Charles
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 17.07.2024
• Subjects: cannabidiol; chemotherapy-induced neuropathy; clinical trial; topical
• ISSN: 2378-8763
• DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0253

Patients have been known to use cannabinoids for treating established chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) based on anecdotal information and retrospective reports suggesting that such might be beneficial. In response, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, pilot clinical trial was developed to evaluate whether resultant data would support a phase III trial for testing whether a cannabidiol (CBD) cream might improve CIPN. Forty patients with established CIPN were randomized, in a double-blinded manner, to topical CBD or a placebo cream. The study product was applied for 2 weeks, followed by a crossover for 2 weeks. Neuropathy was evaluated using the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-CIPN20, the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool, and the Global Impression of Change instruments. Side effects were recorded by symptom diaries. The EORTC-CIPN20 scores were similar in the patients receiving CBD versus the placebo. Likewise, the toxicity scores were similar in patients who received the CBD versus the placebo. This pilot trial did not support that the studied CBD isolate cream improved painful established CIPN. It was well tolerated overall. NCT05388058.