A Retrospective Cohort Study of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme (4639)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of medical cannabis (MC) on survival rates, quality of life, and adverse effects in patients with pathology-confirmed glioblastoma multiforme.

Background: MC is becoming increasingly available to patients battling cancer, but additional evidence is required for proper treatment plan formulation. This retrospective cohort chart review investigated the role of MC in patients with glioblastoma multiforme, a rare, terminal, and aggressive malignancy.

Design/Methods: Between March 2016 to October 2019, 48 patients with pathology-confirmed glioblastoma multiforme utilized New York State MC. Survival and quality of life outcomes were compared to a matched control group, including pathology grading and tumor genotype, who were not exposed to MC. All patients were followed in an outpatient neuro-oncology setting in New York State.

Results: No significance was observed in the median survival time between patients with glioblastoma multiforme utilizing MC (24.7 months) and matched controls (22.4 months, p=0.862). Five year survival rates supported these findings (MC: 28.6%, control: 31.6%). Average MC exposure was 9.34±8.50 months in 48 patients (median age 51 years, 58% female, 30% reporting previous cannabis use). Patient-reported improvements were most notable in sleep (70%), overall quality of life (65%), and anxiety (52%). Adverse effects of MC were reported in 26% and were mostly mild in nature. The utilization of Type II chemovar (balanced tetrahydrocannabinol to cannabidiol ratio) was associated with increased quality of life measures, including improved sleep and anxiety, while minimizing AE reporting.

Conclusions: There is no association between improved survival of glioblastoma multiforme and MC treatment. MC may be considered as complementary therapy for the improvement of QOL measures that may be effected during the course of standard glioblastoma multiforme care, including sleep and anxiety. Randomized, placebo-controlled studies are required to further investigate these associations, with an emphasis on improving patient quality of life and survival outcomes for glioblastoma multiforme.

Disclosure: Mr. Bargnes has received research support from Harry Dent Family Foundation. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $100,000-$499,999 for serving as a Consultant for Jushi Inc. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Amgen. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Novartis. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Allergan. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Eli Lilly. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Teva. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Biohaven. Dr. Mechtler has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Lundbeck. Dr. Mechtler has received stock or an ownership interest from Jushi Co.. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from The Harry Dent Family Foundation, Inc. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Teva. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Novartis. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Biogen. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Eli Lilly. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Genetech. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Alder. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Acadia. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Avanir. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Boston Biomed. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Sensorion. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Allergan. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from ElectroCore. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Amgen. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Biohaven. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Xenon. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from Miles for Migraine. The institution of Dr. Mechtler has received research support from American Migraine Foundation. The institution of Chris Ralyea has received research support from Harry Dent Family Foundation. The institution of Chris Ralyea has received research support from Colgate Palmolive. Mr. Hart has nothing to disclose. Alex Benyovszky has nothing to disclose.