Purpose: Inflammation is thought to play a key role in malignant disease and may play a significant part in the expression of cancer-related symptoms. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a bioactive compound in cannabis and is reported to have significant anti-inflammatory properties.
Method: Serial C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in all participants recruited to a randomised controlled trial of CBD versus placebo in patients with symptoms related to advanced cancer. A panel of inflammatory cytokines was measured over time in a subset of these patients.
Results: There was no difference between the two arms in the trajectory of CRP or cytokine levels from baseline to day 28.
Conclusion: We were unable to demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect of CBD in cancer patients.
Trial registration: ANZCTR 26180001220257, registered 20/07/2018.
Keywords: Advanced cancer; Inflammation; Inflammatory cytokines; Medicinal cannabis.
© 2023. The Author(s).