Exploring potential anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal cannabis

• Published in: Supportive care in cancer Vol. 31; no. 11; p. 629
• Main Authors: Gurgenci, Taylan, Kijanka, Gregor, Greer, Ristan, Huggett, Georgie, Good, Phillip, Moniruzzaman, Md, Hardy, Janet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.12.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anti-inflammatory agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - pharmacology; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - therapeutic use; Cancer; Cannabidiol - pharmacology; Cannabidiol - therapeutic use; Cannabis; Clinical trials; Humans; Inflammation; Medical marijuana; Medical Marijuana - pharmacology; Medical Marijuana - therapeutic use; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Nursing; Nursing Research; Oncology; Pain Medicine; Proteins; Rehabilitation Medicine; Symptom management; Advanced cancer; Inflammation; Medicinal cannabis; Inflammatory cytokines
• ISSN: 0941-4355; 1433-7339
• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08069-8

Purpose Inflammation is thought to play a key role in malignant disease and may play a significant part in the expression of cancer-related symptoms. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a bioactive compound in cannabis and is reported to have significant anti-inflammatory properties. Method Serial C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in all participants recruited to a randomised controlled trial of CBD versus placebo in patients with symptoms related to advanced cancer. A panel of inflammatory cytokines was measured over time in a subset of these patients. Results There was no difference between the two arms in the trajectory of CRP or cytokine levels from baseline to day 28. Conclusion We were unable to demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect of CBD in cancer patients. Trial registration ANZCTR 26180001220257, registered 20/07/2018.