A recent article published in the British Medical Journal reported the case of a woman who shrank a tumor by taking CBD. Serial imaging shows the tumor decreased from 41 to 10 millimeters in just 2.5 years. The patient took .5ml of CBD oil two or three times a day. She declined conventional lung cancer treatments which usually involve chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy and opted for following this specific CBD dosing schedule. This case study and other trial tests suggest cannabidiol oil may be highly effective in reducing the overall size of certain types of tumors.
CBD has been widely used for symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety, but emerging research data highlights potential therapeutic uses for oncology patients. Specifically, CBD can provide tumor management as well as reduction of other symptoms such as nausea and discomfort. Patient anecdotal evidence highlights many therapuetic benefits of CBD, but recent research attention has focused on how CBD impacts cancerous cell growth.
Studies on brain tumors conducted by University of Leeds researchers indicate that cannabis oil can reduce aggressive cancerous growth. Phase I of the trial test determined that CBD has anti-tumor properties. Phase II of this trial test will involve 15 National Institute of Health hospitals. 223 study participants will self-administer an oromucosal spray which consists of a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio up to 12 sprays per day. Participants will be asked to complete a quality-of-life questionnaire in addition to monthly medical checkups. This study will be one of the first trials to integrate with BRIAN, an app supporting those living with a brain tumor.
Phase II will examine the effects of adding Sativex to the current standard chemotherapy treatment (temozolomide) on the survival time for adults with glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the most common type of brain tumor in adults, and it is characterized by fast growth and formations that are tendril-like. Recurring growth after surgery or radiation therapy is common, and the survival time after diagnosis is roughly 12-18 months. Researchers are hopeful that this study will lead to advances in CBD use for tumor regression, improved quality of life, and life extension for those living with brain cancer tumors.
Sources: British Medical Journal, University of Leeds, Nature