New South Wales patients recruited in major medicinal cannabis trial

Patients in New South Wales are being recruited in what is touted as the world's first medicinal cannabis trial for the prevention of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

The clinical trial will involve 80 patients in the first stage and could expand to another 250 patients across the state, according to a statement from the office of NSW Minister for Medical Research Pru Goward.

"The trial will play a critical role in developing a better understanding of how cannabis products may provide relief for cancer patients," Goward said.

A new oral plant-derived, pharmaceutical-grade capsule will be used in the trial, she said.

Associate Professor Peter Grimison from the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse cancer treatment centre will lead the trial with The University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and other leading NSW cancer centres, Goward's office said.

There was "very limited high-quality research available on the role of cannabis-derived medicines in treating nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy," Grimison was quoted as saying.

"We have come a long way with conventional anti-nausea medication, but one-third of patients continue to suffer during and after chemotherapy," he said.

"The role of cannabis medicines in alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is still unclear, and this study aims to provide a definitive answer to this question." Endit