Synthetic Cannabinoid May Treat Primary and Metastatic Forms of Brain Cancer

Researchers at University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center are investigating the safety and tolerability of a synthetic cannabinoid called dexanabinol (ETS2101). The drug, which is delivered as a weekly intravenous infusion, is being tested in patients with all forms of brain cancer, both primary and metastatic.

“In this Phase I study, we are examining the safety of multiple doses of dexanabinol, extent of penetration into the brain and suitability for future trials,” says Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD, principal investigator and director of neuro-oncology, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. “What we hope to determine is the safe and optimal dose of drug in the brain.”

Dexanabinol is a cannabinoid derivative that causes no psychotropic effects. Previously, it was tested as a neuroprotective in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury. During these trials, the drug was discovered to cross the blood-brain barrier. More recently, researchers at e-Therapeutics plc, who are supporting the current trial, found that dexanabinol kills cultured cancer cells derived from many tumor types. Additional research in Kesari’s lab showed the drug’s anti-cancer effects in patient-derived brain cancer cell lines. For more information, click here to read the full article