Pubdate: Tue, 01 Apr 2014
Source: Press and Journal, The (UK)
Copyright: 2014 Aberdeen Journals Ltd
Contact:  http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/347
Author: Alison Campsie

HOPE AS DRUG HALTS TUMOURS

Scientists Excited by Trial Results

"We are looking forward to further findings from the trial as it 
extends to higher doses"

Scientists spearheading the use of a synthetic form of cannabis to 
treat patients with advanced cancer have said they are "excited" by 
their findings.

Dexanabinol has been used for the past two years to treat solid 
cancerous tumours in a groundbreaking trial led by the Bobby Robson 
Cancer Centre in Newcastle.

Professor Ruth Plummer, principal investigator, said results 
indicated that tumour growth had been halted in a number of patients 
exposed to higher levels of the drug.

Work will continue to establish the maximum safe dosage of the drug 
and to bring more patients on board the study. To date, 23 cancer 
sufferers with a variety of different tumours have taken part.

Prof Plummer said: "In the last two cohorts, we have seen a number of 
patients who have come on to the study with advanced progressive 
disease and have stayed on study in some cases for over five months.

"This suggests that the compound may be halting tumour progression.

"We are excited by this initial observation, and are very keen to 
continue to escalate the dose to confirm this and explore if further 
possible anti-tumour effects will be found."

Dexanabinol is a man-made form of a chemical similar to cannabinoids 
found in the cannabis plant.

This is the first time that dexanabinol, which does not cause any 
cannabis-like effects, has been tested in people with cancer.

Steve Self, development director at drug development firm 
e-Therapeutics, said he was "encouraged" by the latest results.

He said:"We will continue to dose escalate to find the maximum 
tolerated dose and further explore the observations of possible 
activity in cancer patients that we have seen in the most recent two cohorts.

"These data, along with the US phase 1 data, are important in helping 
us to refine the next steps with this compound.

"We very much appreciate the contribution of Professor Plummer and 
all our investigators and their patients to this study, and we are 
looking forward to further findings from the trial as it extends to 
higher doses."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom