The worlds largest clinical trial on medical cannabis and advanced cancer is about to start in NSW’s Orange Hospital.
The CARE NSW trial, Cannabinoids for Symptom Control in Advanced Cancer, an Open Label Prospective Clinical Trial in NSW, began recruiting patients in February 2020. The trial will give medical cannabis to people with advanced cancer in an effort to control debilitating symptoms like anorexia, nausea and uncontrollable pain.
The trial is funded by the NSW government. It will test a range of doses and medications on people with a 6 – 12 month life expectancy. The study is a joint effort between the University of Newcastle and the government, and is being led by the legendary Professor Jennifer Martin.
Professor Martin is quoted on the university website as saying:
We want our patients to access this drug if it proves effective.
Other cancer centres in NSW will also be participating in CARE and are currently recruiting participants.
Further details are listed on NSW Health.