AN INITIAL EVALUATION OF NABILONE IN THE CONTROL OF RADIOTHERAPY-INDUCED NAUSEA AND VOMITING

A pilot study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of Nabilone in controlling radiotherapy-induced vomiting resistant to a conventional anti-emetic (metoclopramide). Cancer patients (30) receiving wide-field upper abdominal irradiation were prospectively monitored. Fourteen developed no significant nausea or vomiting and in 10 symptoms were controlled by metaclopramide. All 6 patients who failed to respond to this agent responded to Nabilone. Toxicity with both drugs was minimal. Although patient numbers were small, this initial assessment suggests that Nabilone may be a useful agent in the control of resistant radiation-induced sickness.