Randomized Phase II Study of Medical Cannabis to Ease Symptoms in Advanced Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancer Patients

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the use of medical cannabis to reduce symptom burden in patients with advanced pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Many patients with these cancers experience difficult symptoms like nausea, pain, and wasting, which can lower quality of life and limit treatment tolerance. The study focuses on how medical cannabis might impact these symptoms and improve patient experiences during cancer care. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups one receiving medical cannabis immediately for 8 weeks at no charge, and the other starting cannabis after an 8-week delay. After the initial 8 weeks, those in the early group may continue cannabis for another 8 weeks but must cover the cost themselves, while the delayed group begins cannabis treatment during weeks 8 to 16. Medical cannabis dosing is guided by a pharmacist with close follow-up, and all participants must register with the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program. Throughout the study, participants will complete weekly symptom reports and quality of life questionnaires at regular intervals up to 16 weeks. Researchers will assess recruitment feasibility, adherence to assigned groups, and symptom changes using patient-reported outcome tools. A close-out survey will be completed at the end of each participants cannabis use period. The total study duration for each participant is up to 16 weeks, with careful monitoring of safety and symptom relief.

Medical Cannabis in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancer