Dronabinol for Supportive Therapy in Patients With Malignant Melanoma

Jacob Bell

New Member
Dronabinol for supportive therapy in patients with malignant melanoma and liver metastases

Author(s) Zutt M, Hanssle H, Emmert S, Neumann C, Kretschmer L.
Journal, Volume, Issue Hautarzt 2006;57(5):423-7.
Major outcome(s) A significant increase in appetite and decrease in nausea in most patients.
Indication Nausea/vomiting;Appetite loss/weight loss;Cancer;Cancer chemotherapy
Medication Delta-9-THC
Route(s) Oral
Dose(s) variable
Duration (days)
Participants 7 patients with hematogenous metastatic melanoma
Design Open study
Type of publication Medical journal
Address of author(s) Hautklinik und Poliklinik der Georg-August-Universitat Gottingen, Germany


Abstract

BACKGROUND: Loss of appetite and nausea can reduce the quality of life of patients with malignant melanoma and liver metastases. Often established antiemetic drugs fail to bring relief. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, Marinol (TM)), which is the active agent of Indian hemp, has been used successfully in this situation for other malignant tumors.PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated 7 patients with hematogenous metastatic melanoma and liver metastases suffering from extensive loss of appetite and nausea supportively with dronabinol (Marinol((R))). All of these patients had previously received standard antiemetic therapy without adequate relief. Dronabinol is a synthetic Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol. The drug was administered in capsule form. We evaluated the palliative effects of dronabinol with a special patient evaluation form, which was filled out at the beginning of the therapy and again after 4 weeks.RESULTS: The majority of patients described a significant increase in appetite and decrease in nausea. These effects remained for some weeks, but then decreased as metastases progressed and the general condition worsened. All of the patients experienced slight to moderate dizziness, but it was not sufficiently troubling to cause interruption or termination of therapy.CONCLUSION: Loss of appetite and nausea due to liver metastases of malignant melanoma can be treated in individual cases supportively with Dronabinol.


Source: Dronabinol for supportive therapy in patients with malignant melanoma and liver metastases
 
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