Cannabis treatment for skin cancer makes breakthrough

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The Volcani Center is developing a cannabis treatment for a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects between 16,000 and 20,000 Americans. It is a type of cancer that begins in lymphocytes found in the skin, turning skin cells malignant. While there have been drugs created to ease the symptoms, there is no known cure. However, that could soon change, as a cannabis-based solution is being shown effective in fighting malignant T-cells.

The Israel-based Volcani Center, in conjunction with MedC Biopharma Corp. out of Canada, has announced a number of patents for products that contain a unique formula of active compounds that are found in cannabis. These compounds, according to the research company’s studies, have highly cytotoxic activity – or activity that is toxic – against the malignant cells.

CTCL has been classified as an Orphan Disease by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As such, products that are developed to fight the disease can carry the orphan status, which can speed up the licensing process and bring them to market sooner.

According to MedC Chairman Avi Drori, “We are pleased that our investments in the development of cannabis-based medication for CTCL has matured into breakthrough discoveries and resulting patents. We look forward to commencing clinical trials, so we can finally bring hope to patients world-wide seeking a cure for this terrible disease”.

Those clinical trials are expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.


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