Pubdate: Mon, 09 Dec 2013
Source: Press and Journal, The (UK)
Copyright: 2013 Aberdeen Journals Ltd
Contact:  http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/347

CANCER PATIENTS IN CANNABIS TRIALS

Illegal drugs ketamine and cannabis are being supplied to cancer 
patients in Scotland by the NHS.

Academics at Edinburgh University are leading two clinical trials at 
the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow to test the effectiveness of 
cannabis mouth spray and ketamine, a common tranquilliser for use in 
horses. Research shows that pain is uncontrolled in around 20% of 
patients with advanced cancer who are prescribed morphine-based 
treatments, and many others experience negative side-effects from 
traditional painkillers.

But no effective alternatives have been approved for cancer patients 
on the NHS.

It is hoped cancer sufferers taking part in the trials will see major 
improvements in their quality of life, leading to a national roll-out 
of the drugs.

A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirmed that two 
clinical trials were studying the use of "cannabinoids and ketamine 
for pain relief in cancer patients".

The trials are for six months. The cannabis spray, Sativex, is 
already being prescribed for multiple sclerosis patients.

The medication stops nerve signals being sent to the brain from the 
site of pain and was developed so it did not affect the mental state 
of patients in the way that street cannabis might.

It also does not pose the same health risks as smoking the drug.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom