A phase I, dose-expansion cohort study on the safety of a cannabidiol for biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients.

Abstract

TPS263 Background: Cannabinoids, widely used in pain control, as an appetite stimulant, and anti-emetic in cancer patients, may play role as an anti-carcinogenic agent. A preclinical study demonstrated that cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) were highly expressed in human androgen-responsive prostate cancer (PCa) cells (LNCaP) as compared to normal prostate epithelial cells (PrEC). When these two cell lines were treated with a potent cannabinoid receptor agonist, PCa cells showed a decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein expression and increased apoptosis in a dose and time-dependent manner with no effect seen in PrEC cells. An FDA-approved cannabidiol (CBD) agent, is derived from Cannabis sativa L. plants. Extracts from these plants are processed to yield pure CBD and contain less than 0.5% THC. We will expand these preclinical studies with a phase I trial. Methods: This trial is an open-label, single-center, phase I dose escalation study followed by dose expansion to evaluate acute toxicity, long-term safety and tolerability, and preliminary antitumor activity of cannabidiols in patients with biochemically recurrent (BCR) PC after primary definitive local therapy and prostate-specific antigen doubling time ≤ 12 months. The dose escalation will be determined by a Bayesian Optimal Interval design and the target dose-limiting toxicity rate is set at 30%. An additional 6-9 patients will be enrolled as an expansion cohort once the maximum tolerated dose is determined. Patients will be treated for a total 90 days with a 10 day taper. The primary objective is to evaluate the acute toxicity and long-term safety and tolerability of cannabidiols in patients with BCR. The secondary objective includes measuring changes in serial PSA levels, PSA velocity, and testosterone levels and to assess health-related quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR 25) from baseline throughout the treatment period. CB receptor 1 and 2 expression levels by immunohistochemistry staining will be evaluated from archival prostatectomy specimens if available as an exploratory objective. This trial opened on 7.28.2020 and has started enrollment. Clinical trial information: NCT04428203.