Actively Recruiting
A Randomized Phase II Trial of Medical Cannabis to Reduce Symptom Burden in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancer (CanPan-C)
Led by HealthPartners Institute · Updated on 2025-07-29
64
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
H
HealthPartners Institute
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Minnesota
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
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 participant's cannabis use period. The total study duration for each participant is up to 16 weeks, with careful monitoring of safety and symptom relief.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Medical Cannabis in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancer
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- Diagnosed with advanced pancreatic or colorectal cancer confirmed by histology or cytology
- No plans for curative surgery within the next 3 months
- Experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, wasting, or pain at least once in the past 14 days
- Starting or have started standard chemotherapy (not immunotherapy) within the past 2 weeks
- Resident of Minnesota
- Willing to register with the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program and follow its rules
- Willing to complete baseline and ongoing patient-reported outcome surveys
You will not qualify if you...
- Regular use of THC-containing cannabis products (10 or more days in the past 30 days)
- History of intolerance or hypersensitivity to cannabis
- Diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia, active epilepsy, or history of traumatic brain injury
- Known active or untreated brain metastases
- Currently receiving immunotherapy, chemo-immunotherapy combinations, or non-standard chemotherapy
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or of childbearing potential not using birth control
- Uncontrolled medical or psychiatric conditions that increase risk or interfere with study participation
- Any condition that may jeopardize safety or protocol compliance as judged by the investigator
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for certification and registration with the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program
Duration - Up to 16 weeks
Participants receive medical cannabis either immediately for 8 weeks (Early Cannabis group) or after an 8-week delay (Delayed Cannabis group). The Early group may continue cannabis for an additional 8 weeks at their own cost, while the Delayed group starts cannabis during weeks 8 to 16.
Weekly visits for patient-reported outcomes during cannabis use; additional visits every 4 weeks for quality of life assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
HealthPartners Cancer Research Center
Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, United States, 55426
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Alissa Gavenda, RN
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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