Topical Cannabidiol for Established Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: A Pilot Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of cancer treatment.
• Patients have anecdotally reported benefits from using cannabinoids for CIPN.
• A pilot clinical trial was designed to investigate the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) cream for CIPN.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a topical CBD cream in improving established CIPN.
• To gather data to support a potential Phase III clinical trial.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot trial involving 40 patients with established CIPN.
• Patients received either topical CBD or placebo cream for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week crossover.
• Neuropathy was assessed using EORTC-CIPN20, CIPN Assessment Tool, and Global Impression of Change; side effects were monitored via symptom diaries.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in EORTC-CIPN20 scores between the CBD and placebo groups.
• Similar toxicity and side effect profiles were observed for both CBD and placebo treatments.
• The studied CBD isolate cream did not demonstrate improvement in painful established CIPN.

Conclusions:

• This pilot trial suggests that the tested CBD isolate cream is not effective for improving painful established CIPN.
• Topical CBD cream was found to be well-tolerated in patients with CIPN.
• Further research may be needed to explore other cannabinoid formulations or dosages for CIPN management.