Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is one of the major causes of death in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Despite prophylactic measures, the incidence of acute GVHD is estimated at 40-60% among patients receiving transplants from HLA-identical sibling donors, and may even reach 75% in patients receiving HLA-matched unrelated transplants. More effective prevention and treatment strategies are needed. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of Cannabinoids have been shown in animal models of various inflammatory diseases including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Cannabidiol is a major non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which has potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. As such, it may be effective for both prevention and treatment of acute GVHD after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
Cannabidiol will be dissolved in oil to a predefined concentration.Patients developing grade I/II acute GVHD will be treated by IV or oral methylprednisolone 1-2 mg/kg/day and oral cannabidiol at a starting dose of 10 mg twice daily. Doses of cannabidiol can be escalated every day according to clinical response to a maximal dose of 600 mg/day,if no significant drug related side effects present (CTCAE3 grade\>2). Cannabidiol will be given up to 90 days.
Davidof Cancer Center, Beilinson hospital, Rabin medical center
Petah Tikva, Israel
RECRUITINGComplete resolution of acute GVHD
Time frame: within 90 days from start of therapy
Percentage of patients developing chronic GVHD
Time frame: 12 months
percentage of patients developing > or = grade 3 toxicity
Time frame: 6 months
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