Exploring the neuroprotective potential of CBD in preventing oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy: a prospective study

The National Cancer Institute awarded The Institute For Cancer Research a $429,162 Project Grant (CFDA 93.395, Cancer Treatment Research program) effective August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2027 to conduct a prospective feasibility study exploring the neuroprotective potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in preventing oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients. The research deliverables include: (1) evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating hemp-based CBD supplementation as a supportive therapy during oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy; (2) comparative analysis of acute and chronic oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) and treatment-related adverse event rates between patients receiving CBD intervention versus standard therapy; and (3) identification of differentially expressed inflammatory markers and microRNA (miRNA) in treated patient populations to establish the biological rationale for CBD's neuroprotective effects.

This project is designed to generate preliminary data supporting larger randomized controlled trials and advance understanding of CBD supplementation's potential benefits in managing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and associated adverse effects in cancer patients. The research team brings multidisciplinary expertise in clinical and basic science oncology and cannabinoid research, positioning the study to provide evidence-based guidance for integrating supportive care innovations into standard cancer treatment protocols.

Abstract

The project titled "exploring the neuroprotective potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in preventing oxaliplatin (OX)-induced neuropathy: a prospective study" will evaluate the feasibility of a hemp-based cannabinoid (CBD) related intervention in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients undergoing oxaliplatin based chemotherapy and generate preliminary data on its ability to provide potential neuroprotective benefits and reduce/prevent incidence of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (cipn). Additionally, we will also be exploring the expression of inflammatory markers and mirna in oxaliplatin treated patients and comparing between the groups that received a CBD intervention versus those who did not to understand the biological rationale of the neuroprotective effect of CBD. In aim 1, we will investigate the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating hemp-based CBD supplementation as a supportive therapy during OX-based chemotherapy for CRC patients. We will also study the rates of acute and chronic OX induced peripheral neuropathy (oipn) and other treatment related adverse events in patients treated with hemp based CBD and OX based chemotherapy and compare them to rates seen among patients who get standard therapy. In aim 2, we will determine differentially expressed inflammatory markers and mirna in patients treated with OX with or without CBD treatment. To conduct this work, we assembled a team with expertise in clinical and basic science of colorectal cancer and cannabinoid research with a strong record of accomplishment of collaborations and innovations. Our study will pave the way for larger randomized trials that will aid in understanding the potential benefits of CBD supplementation in managing oipn and associated adverse effects.