Clinical effects of a single dose of cannabinoids to patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Leuk Lymphoma. 2022 Jun;63(6):1387-1397. doi: 10.1080/10428194.2021.2020776. Epub 2022 Jan 17.

Abstract

This phase II clinical trial investigates a one-time oromucosal dose of tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol (THC/CBD) in 23 patients with indolent leukemic B cell lymphomas. Primary endpoint was a significant reduction in leukemic B cells. Grade 1 - 2 adverse events were seen in 91% of the patients; most common were dry mouth (78%), vertigo (70%), and somnolence (43%). After THC/CBD a significant reduction in leukemic B cells (median, 11%) occurred within two hours (p = .014), and remained for 6 h without induction of apoptosis or proliferation. Normal B cells and T cells were also reduced. CXCR4 expression increased on leukemic cells and T cells. All effects were gone by 24 h. Our results show that a single dose of THC/CBD affects a wide variety of leukocytes and only transiently reduce malignant cells in blood. Based on this study, THC/CBD shows no therapeutic potential for indolent B cell lymphomas (EudraCT trial no. 2014-005553-39).

Keywords: CBD; CXCR4; Chronic lymphocytic leukemia; THC; cannabinoids; diurnal rhythm; lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cannabidiol / adverse effects
  • Cannabinoids* / adverse effects
  • Dronabinol / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Cannabidiol
  • Dronabinol