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Recent clinical experience with dronabinol
T F Plasse1, R W Gorter, S H Krasnow
1UNIMED, Inc., Somerville, NJ 08876.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Dronabinol (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) effectively manages chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, potentially improving appetite and weight gain in HIV patients. Combining it with prochlorperazine may enhance efficacy and reduce side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Dronabinol (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is an established antiemetic for cancer chemotherapy patients.
- Cannabinoids are being explored for broader therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of dronabinol as an antiemetic and appetite stimulant.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of dronabinol in patients with cancer and HIV.
- To investigate the potential synergistic effects of dronabinol with prochlorperazine.
Main Methods:
- Combination studies with prochlorperazine to measure antiemetic efficacy.
- Open pilot studies to assess weight gain and appetite improvement in HIV patients.
- Dose-ranging and tolerability assessments for chronic administration.
Main Results:
- Dronabinol, in combination with prochlorperazine, enhanced antiemetic efficacy and reduced psychotropic side effects.
- Dronabinol promoted weight gain in 70% of HIV-infected patients.
- Improved appetite and good tolerability were observed in both cancer and HIV patient groups.
Conclusions:
- Dronabinol is an effective antiemetic and appetite stimulant for cancer and HIV patients.
- Combination therapy with prochlorperazine may optimize dronabinol's therapeutic profile.
- Dronabinol demonstrates potential for chronic use in managing symptoms associated with these conditions.