Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Severe (Grades III/IV) Acute Graft-versus-host Disease

Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Severe (Grades III/IV) Acute Graft-versus-host Disease

Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is a major obstacle to successful allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic ingredient of Cannabis sativa possesses potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. In a recent phase 2 study, CBD has been shown to be safe and reduced significantly the incidence of acute GVHD compared to control patients with a hazard ratio of 0.3. Based on these results the investigators propose a phase 2 study to explore the efficacy of oral CBD in the treatment of severe (grades III/IV) acute GVHD, a pathology with a dismal prognosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients 18 years or older
2. After allogeneic transplantation
3. Grade III or IV acute GVHD
4. No psychiatric contra-indication
5. Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of psychosis
2. Asthma
3. Known allergy to cannabis constituents