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Anis S, Zalomek C, Korczyn AD, Lassman S, Rosenberg A, Gurevich T. Licensed Medical Cannabis Use in Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: A Retrospective Long-term Follow-Up. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:e878-e885. [PMID: 37172308 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Medical cannabis (MC) is widely used in clinical practice to treat Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). However, legislation, multiple modes of administration, and inconsistent plant preparations have limited trials to assess its benefits and long-term safety. For the past decade, licensed MC has been authorized in Israel for use in resistant GTS. We aimed to describe subjects' satisfaction, consumption habits, and THC dose increment during long-term usage. Materials and Methods: A retrospective longitudinal data collection (up to 9 years) on cannabis use habits and structured questionnaires evaluating disease characteristics and MC influence from GTS subjects being treated in the Movement Disorders Unit of the Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Israel. Results: Twenty-five patients (84% male) participated in the study. The mean duration of MC use was 4.0±2.3 years (range 0.5-10). The majority of patients (96%) consumed MC primarily, but not exclusively, through inhalation methods such as smoking or vaporizing dried inflorescence. A linear increase was observed in mean monthly THC dose (p<0.0001) with an average increase of 0.6-0.7 g/year. MC led to a subjectively reported reduction in tics (75% average reduction) and symptoms associated with common comorbidities of GTS. MC was generally well tolerated, although most participants (88%) reported experiencing side effects. Conclusions: A subset of GTS subjects who use MC long term under clinical observation may subjectively improve control of symptoms. Subject-led dose increase can indicate emerging tolerance. Large randomized controlled and observational long-term trials are required to confirm these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saar Anis
- Movement Disorder Unit, Department of Neurology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Departments of Neurology, Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Corinne Zalomek
- Departments of Neurology, Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Amos D Korczyn
- Departments of Neurology, Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Simon Lassman
- St George's Hospital, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Arrow Project for Medical Research, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Alina Rosenberg
- School of Public Health, Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Tanya Gurevich
- Movement Disorder Unit, Department of Neurology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Departments of Neurology, Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Müller-Vahl KR. Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Selected Mental Illnesses: Practical Approach and Overview of the Literature. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2024; 57:104-114. [PMID: 38428836 PMCID: PMC11076106 DOI: 10.1055/a-2256-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Although an increasing number of patients suffering from mental illnesses self-medicate with cannabis, current knowledge about the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based medicine in psychiatry is still extremely limited. So far, no cannabis-based finished product has been approved for the treatment of a mental illness. There is increasing evidence that cannabinoids may improve symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Tourette syndrome (TS), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to surveys, patients often use cannabinoids to improve mood, sleep, and symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is evidence suggesting that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and THC-containing cannabis extracts, such as nabiximols, can be used as substitutes in patients with cannabis use disorder.Preliminary evidence also suggests an involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the pathophysiology of TS, ADHD, and PTSD. Since the ECS is the most important neuromodulatory system in the brain, it possibly induces beneficial effects of cannabinoids by alterations in other neurotransmitter systems. Finally, the ECS is an important stress management system. Thus, cannabinoids may improve symptoms in patients with mental illnesses by reducing stress.Practically, cannabis-based treatment in patients with psychiatric disorders does not differ from other indications. The starting dose of THC-containing products should be low (1-2.5 mg THC/day), and the dose should be up-titrated slowly (by 1-2.5 mg every 3-5 days). The average daily dose is 10-20 mg THC. In contrast, cannabidiol (CBD) is mainly used in high doses>400 mg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R. Müller-Vahl
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover
Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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3
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Gong H, Du X, Su A, Du Y. Pharmacological treatment of Tourette's syndrome: from the past to the future. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:941-962. [PMID: 37962703 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disease featuring tics and vocal tics, with a prevalence of approximately 1%, including 75% of the total number of male patients. TS seriously disturbs the patients' career, education, and life and brings a serious and unbearable psychological burden to the patients themselves and their families. At present, there are no specific clinical medications recommended for treating TS. Therefore, it is necessary to select the appropriate medication for symptomatic treatment based on the doctor's personal experience and the patient's symptoms, with the main goal of relieving symptoms, thus improving the patient's social skills and psychological problems. Here we conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed to review and organize the history and current status of the development of drug therapy for TS through a timeline format. We also systematically evaluated the effects of each drug for TS treatment to summarize the current problems and new research directions and to provide some ideas for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Gong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Anping Su
- Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaowu Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Trau SP, Singer HS. Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. Pediatr Rev 2024; 45:85-95. [PMID: 38296781 DOI: 10.1542/pir.2023-006014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Trau
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Harvey S Singer
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
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5
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Müller-Vahl KR, Pisarenko A, Ringlstetter R, Cimpianu CL, Fremer C, Weidinger E, Jenz EB, Musil R, Brunnauer A, Großhennig A. The Effect of Nabiximols on Driving Ability in Adults with Chronic Tic Disorders: Results of a Substudy Analysis of the Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled CANNA-TICS Trial. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38265476 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, phase IIIb CANNA-TICS (CANNAbinoids in the treatment of TICS) trial showed clear trends for improvement of tics, depression, and quality of life with nabiximols versus placebo in adult patients with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and other chronic tic disorders. Although in general nabiximols was well tolerated, it is unclear whether treatment using this cannabis extract influences driving skills in patients with chronic tic disorders. Methods: Here we report results of the "Fitness to Drive" substudy of the CANNA-TICS trial. The key endpoint was fitness to drive as a binary criterion with a computerized assessment at baseline and after 9 weeks of stable treatment (week 13) with nabiximols or placebo. A patient was considered unfit to drive according to the German Federal Highway Research Institute guidelines. Results: In the substudy, a total of 64 patients (76.6% men, mean±standard deviation of age: 36.8±13.9) were recruited at two study sites. The number of patients who were fit to drive increased from 24 (55.8%) at baseline to 28 (71.8%) at week 13 among 43 patients treated with nabiximols, and decreased from 14 (66.7%) to 10 (52.6%) among 21 patients who received placebo. The risk difference (nabiximols - placebo) was 0.17 (95% confidence interval=-0.08 to 0.43) in favor of nabiximols. Specifically, only 2 of 24 (8.3%) patients in the nabiximols, but 4 of 14 (28.6%) patients in the placebo group changed for the worse from fit (at baseline) to unfit (at week 13) to drive, whereas 8 of 19 (42.1%) patients in the nabiximols, and only 2 of 7 (28.6%) patients in the placebo group improved from unfit to fit. Conclusion: Treatment with nabiximols does not impair skills relevant to driving in those patients with tic disorders who were fit to drive at baseline and even improved fitness to drive in a subset of patients who were unfit to drive before start of treatment. EudraCT number: 2016-000564-42.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R Müller-Vahl
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Pisarenko
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Camelia-Lucia Cimpianu
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Fremer
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elif Weidinger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Beate Jenz
- Institute of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard Musil
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Brunnauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Center for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatic Medicine, Geriatrics and Neurology, kbo-Inn-Salzach-Klinikum, Wasserburg/Inn, Germany
| | - Anika Großhennig
- Institute of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Riechmann R, Jakubovski E, Essing J, Haas M, Goetz CG, Stebbins GT, Müller‐Vahl KR. The Rush Video-Based Tic Rating Scale-Revised: A Practice-Oriented Revision. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2023; 10:802-810. [PMID: 37205238 PMCID: PMC10187019 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Modified Rush Video-Based Tic Rating Scale (MRVS) is the most widely used video-based scale for assessing tic severity in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS). However, shortcomings of the MRVS, including a lack of clear instructions, a time-consuming recording procedure, and weak correlations with the gold standard for tic assessment, the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-Total Tic Score (YGTSS-TTS), limits its use in research settings, although video assessments are generally considered objective, reliable, and time-saving measurements. Objectives We aimed to revise the MRVS (MRVS-R) to simplify and standardize the assessment procedure and improve the correlation with the YGTSS-TTS. Methods We used 102 videos of patients with TS or persistent motor tic disorder filmed according to the MRVS. We compared the tic frequency assessed by MRVS with frequencies according to MRVS-R based on a 5-min (instead of a 10-min) video to investigate whether reducing the recording time leads to significant changes. In addition, we adapted the MRVS to the YGTSS and defined new anchor values for motor and phonic tic frequency based on frequency distributions as assessed in our sample. Finally, we compared the MRVS-R and MRVS regarding psychometric properties and correlation with the YGTSS-TTS. Results Cutting video recording time in half did not significantly affect assessments of motor and phonic tic frequencies. Psychometric properties were acceptable. Most important, proposed revisions of the MRVS improved correlation with the YGTSS-TTS. Conclusions The MRVS-R is a simplified version of the MRVS with comparable psychometric qualities, but higher correlations with the YGTSS-TTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rica Riechmann
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and PsychotherapyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Ewgeni Jakubovski
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and PsychotherapyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Jana Essing
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and PsychotherapyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Martina Haas
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and PsychotherapyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | | | - Glenn T. Stebbins
- Department of Neurological SciencesRush UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Kirsten R. Müller‐Vahl
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and PsychotherapyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
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Müller-Vahl KR, Pisarenko A, Szejko N, Haas M, Fremer C, Jakubovski E, Musil R, Münchau A, Neuner I, Huys D, van Elst LT, Schröder C, Ringlstetter R, Koch A, Jenz EB, Großhennig A. CANNA-TICS: Efficacy and safety of oral treatment with nabiximols in adults with chronic tic disorders - Results of a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, phase IIIb superiority study. Psychiatry Res 2023; 323:115135. [PMID: 36878177 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Preliminary data suggest that cannabis-based medicines might be a promising new treatment for patients with Tourette syndrome (TS)/chronic tic disorders (CTD) resulting in an improvement of tics, comorbidities, and quality of life. This randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled, phase IIIb study aimed to examine efficacy and safety of the cannabis extract nabiximols in adults with TS/CTD (n = 97, randomized 2:1 to nabiximols:placebo). The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as a tic reduction of ≥ 25% according to the Total Tic Score of the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale after 13 weeks of treatment. Although a much larger number of patients in the nabiximols compared to the placebo group (14/64 (21·9%) vs. 3/33 (9·1%)) met the responder criterion, superiority of nabiximols could formally not be demonstrated. In secondary analyses, substantial trends for improvements of tics, depression, and quality of life were observed. Additionally exploratory subgroup analyses revealed an improvement of tics in particular in males, patients with more severe tics, and patients with comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder suggesting that these subgroups may benefit better from treatment with cannabis-based medication. There were no relevant safety issues. Our data further support the role of cannabinoids in the treatment of patients with chronic tic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R Müller-Vahl
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Pisarenko
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Natalia Szejko
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland; Department of Bioethics, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martina Haas
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carolin Fremer
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ewgeni Jakubovski
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard Musil
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Münchau
- Institute of Systems Motor Science, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Irene Neuner
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany; JARA-BRAIN - Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Huys
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, LVR Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schröder
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rieke Ringlstetter
- Institute of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Armin Koch
- Institute of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Eva Beate Jenz
- Institute of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Anika Großhennig
- Institute of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany.
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Johnson KA, Worbe Y, Foote KD, Butson CR, Gunduz A, Okun MS. Tourette syndrome: clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:147-158. [PMID: 36354027 PMCID: PMC10958485 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00303-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Tourette syndrome is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by motor and phonic tics that can substantially diminish the quality of life of affected individuals. Evaluating and treating Tourette syndrome is complex, in part due to the heterogeneity of symptoms and comorbidities between individuals. The underlying pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome is not fully understood, but recent research in the past 5 years has brought new insights into the genetic variations and the alterations in neurophysiology and brain networks contributing to its pathogenesis. Treatment options for Tourette syndrome are expanding with novel pharmacological therapies and increased use of deep brain stimulation for patients with symptoms that are refractory to pharmacological or behavioural treatments. Potential predictors of patient responses to therapies for Tourette syndrome, such as specific networks modulated during deep brain stimulation, can guide clinical decisions. Multicentre data sharing initiatives have enabled several advances in our understanding of the genetics and pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome and will be crucial for future large-scale research and in refining effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara A Johnson
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Yulia Worbe
- Sorbonne University, ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Department of Neurophysiology, Hôpital Saint Antoine (DMU 6), AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Kelly D Foote
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christopher R Butson
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; J Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Aysegul Gunduz
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; J Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael S Okun
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Silva JP, Carvalho F. El uso terapéutico del cannabis y los cannabinoides. REVISTA ESPAÑOLA DE DROGODEPENDENCIAS 2022; 47:103-122. [DOI: 10.54108/10031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Los cannabinoides se dirigen principalmente al sistema endocannabinoide (ECS), que surge
como un objetivo terapéutico potencialmente interesante debido a su importante papel en la
modulación de procesos biológicos clave en todo el organismo. Como tal, los cannabinoides
ya se han propuesto como, por ejemplo, antieméticos, agentes antiespásticos, estimulantes del
apetito, antiepilépticos, analgésicos, depresores de la presión intraocular o como agentes para
controlar los trastornos del movimiento en el síndrome de Tourette.
Aquí revisamos las pruebas de investigación disponibles sobre el uso del cannabis y los cannabinoides
para un conjunto de aplicaciones terapéuticas sugeridas, y abordamos algunos de los
riesgos a corto y largo plazo que se han correlacionado con el uso de estas sustancias.
Encontramos escasas pruebas científicas que apoyen el uso de productos basados en el cannabis
para la mayoría de las aplicaciones sugeridas, así como ninguna necesidad médica no satisfecha
que no esté ya abordada por los medicamentos existentes (algunos basados en cannabinoides)
en el mercado. En este escenario, los riesgos potenciales asociados al uso crónico de estas sustancias
pueden disuadir su uso médico.
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Müller-Vahl KR, Jakubovski E, Fremer C, Lenz-Ziegenbein M, Großhennig A, Klages C, Koch A, Haas M, Pisarenko A. Implications for blinding in clinical trials with THC-containing cannabinoids based on the CANNA-TICS trial. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:793703. [PMID: 36213751 PMCID: PMC9533554 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.793703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) are regarded as the gold standard for clinical trials. While there are established standards to avoid unblinding, in RCTs using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) containing cannabinoids, however, accidental unblinding and intentional self-unbinding must be considered as a particular issue, since THC tests are widely available. To investigate unblinding rates in an RCT using a THC-containing cannabinoid, we re-contacted 54 out of 97 participants of the CANNA-TICS trial who had participated in our study center in Hannover. Of the 54 participants, 53 could be reached. Of these, one participant (2%) stated that she had unblinded herself intentionally during the treatment phase, and another three patients (6%) reported intentional unblinding after the end of the treatment. Noteworthy, two patients provided discrepant information and denied self-unblinding during the interview, although during study/clinic visits they had reported having done so. Thus, based on all available information, three participants (6%) unblinded themselves intentionally during the treatment phase and another three (6%) after the end of the treatment. Accidental unblinding during the treatment phase was reported by 4/54 participants (7%) (during study visits). Since one participant reported both intentional self-unblinding (during the interview) and accidental unblinding (during a study visit), the total unblinding rate was 17% (n = 9). Of these, seven participants (13%) reported unblinding during the treatment phase. When asked in the interview whether they knew that self-unblinding would have been possible, only 34% (n = 18/53) of participants stated that they had been aware of this possibility. Thus, altogether 33% (n = 6/18) of those being informed about the possibility of self-unblinding did so and half of them (3/18, 17 %) during the treatment phase. It can be expected that in parallel to increasing knowledge of medicinal and recreational use of cannabinoids, more and more people will also be informed about the availability of THC tests. Hence, in future RCTs using THC-containing cannabinoids, researchers have to take the possibility of accidental and intentional unblinding into consideration, when designing the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R. Müller-Vahl
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- *Correspondence: Kirsten R. Müller-Vahl
| | - Ewgeni Jakubovski
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carolin Fremer
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martina Lenz-Ziegenbein
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anika Großhennig
- Institute for Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carolin Klages
- Institute for Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Armin Koch
- Institute for Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martina Haas
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Pisarenko
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Cavanna AE. Current and emerging pharmacotherapeutic strategies for Tourette syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1523-1533. [PMID: 35913140 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2107902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tourette syndrome (TS) is a chronic tic disorder characterized by both motor and vocal tics. The vast majority of patients present with co-morbid behavioral problems, especially tic-related obsessive-compulsive behaviors and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Evidence-based guidelines on the pharmacotherapy of TS have become available in recent years. AREAS COVERED The main purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current and emerging pharmacotherapeutic strategies for TS. A comprehensive search for the literature on the pharmacotherapy of tics was conducted using multiple databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar), without date limits. EXPERT OPINION In consideration of the heterogeneity of the TS phenotypes, pharmacotherapy should be tailored to the individual patient. The choice of the pharmacological agent should take into account both the efficacy-to-tolerability ratio and the presence of co-morbid conditions. Evidence-based pharmacotherapy should aim at improving health-related quality life within a dynamic framework that typically requires active monitoring of the clinical presentation and reevaluation of the treatment intervention over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea E Cavanna
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, BSMHFT and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.,University College London and Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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Baratta F, Pignata I, Ravetto Enri L, Brusa P. Cannabis for Medical Use: Analysis of Recent Clinical Trials in View of Current Legislation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:888903. [PMID: 35694246 PMCID: PMC9174563 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.888903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has long been regarded as a recreational substance in the Western world. The recent marketing authorization of some medicinal products of industrial origin and the introduction onto the market of inflorescences for medical use mean that medical doctors can now prescribe Cannabis-based medicines in those countries which allow it. Nevertheless, there is still considerable controversy on this topic in the scientific community. In particular, this controversy concerns: the plant species to be used; the pathologies that can be treated and consequently the efficacy and safety of use; the routes of administration; the methods of preparation; the type and dosage of cannabinoids to be used; and, the active molecules of interest. As such, although medical Cannabis has been historically used, the results of currently completed and internationally published studies are inconclusive and often discordant. In light of these considerations, the aim of this work is to analyse the current legislation in countries that allow the use of medical Cannabis, in relation to the impact that this legislation has had on clinical trials. First of all, a literature search has been performed (PubMed and SciFinder) on clinical trials which involved the administration of Cannabis for medical use over the last 3 years. Of the numerous studies extrapolated from the literature, only about 43 reported data on clinical trials on medical Cannabis, with these mainly being performed in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Once the reference countries were identified, an evaluation of the legislation in relation to Cannabis for medical use in each was carried out via the consultation of the pertinent scientific literature, but also of official government documentation and that of local regulatory authorities. This analysis provided us with an overview of the different legislation in these countries and, consequently, allowed us to analyse, with greater awareness, the results of the clinical trials published in the last 3 years in order to obtain general interest indications in the prosecution of scientific research in this area.
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Medical Cannabis for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: An Open-Label Prospective Study. Behav Neurol 2022; 2022:5141773. [PMID: 35310886 PMCID: PMC8926524 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5141773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. Assessing the effectiveness and tolerability of medical cannabis (MC) treatment on Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) patients. Methods. We report on an open-label, prospective study on the effect of MC on adult GTS patients. MC mode of use was decided by the treating neurologist and the patient. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content within MC product and monthly dose were titrated during the study. Following treatment initiation, patients were assessed after 4 and 12 weeks for efficacy, tolerability, and side effects. Results. Eighteen patients entered the study. Baseline Yale Global Tic Severity Scale- (YGTSS) Total (range 0-100) was
. Three patients did not reach the end of follow-up period. The most common mode of administration was smoking (80%). Following twelve weeks of treatment, a significant 38% average reduction (
) of YGTSS-Total and a 20% reduction (
) of Premonitory Urge for Tic Scale (PUTS) were observed. Common side effects were dry mouth (66.7%), fatigue (53.3%), and dizziness (46.7%). Three patients suffered from psychiatric side effects including worsening of obsessive compulsive disorder (stopped treatment), panic attack, and anxiety (resolved with treatment modification). Six patients (40%) reported cognitive side effects regarding time perception, visuospatial disorientation, confusion, slow processing speed, and attention. Conclusions. MC treatment demonstrates good efficacy and tolerability in adult GTS patients. Predilection for smoking rather than using oil drops requires further comparative studies to evaluate the efficacy of each. Cognitive and psychiatric side effects have to be monitored and addressed.
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Frey J, Malaty IA. Tourette Syndrome Treatment Updates: a Review and Discussion of the Current and Upcoming Literature. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:123-142. [PMID: 35107785 PMCID: PMC8809236 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This study aims to examine the treatments currently available for Tourette syndrome (TS) and to discuss evolving therapies, spanning behavioral, pharmacologic, complementary and alternative medicine, and neuromodulation approaches. RECENT FINDINGS Behavioral therapies have undergone several modifications to improve accessibility, including transitioning to a virtual format which is particularly important in the current pandemic. There are several recent or ongoing pharmacologic studies that have shown promise including the selective D1 receptor antagonist ecopipam and various cannabinoid compounds. Adaptive DBS may enable the physiologic markers of tics to determine stimulation parameters and improve tic outcomes related to neuromodulation. In recent years, there has been a wealth of research across multiple treatment domains in the TS field. This review highlights exciting and new potential options for the future treatment of patients with TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Frey
- Department of Neurology, Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Irene A Malaty
- Department of Neurology, Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Abstract
Tic disorders and Tourette syndrome are the most common movement disorders in children and are characterized by movements or vocalizations. Clinically, Tourette syndrome is frequently associated with comorbid psychiatric symptoms. Although dysfunction of cortical–striatal–thalamic–cortical circuits with aberrant neurotransmitter function has been considered the proximate cause of tics, the mechanism underlying this association is unclear. Recently, many studies have been conducted to elucidate the epidemiology, clinical course, comorbid symptoms, and pathophysiology of tic disorders by using laboratory studies, neuroimaging, electrophysiological testing, environmental exposure, and genetic testing. In addition, many researchers have focused on treatment for tics, including behavioral therapy, pharmacological treatment, and surgical treatment. Here, we provide an overview of recent progress on Tourette syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ueda
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kevin J Black
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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Tic Reduction in Adult Onset Gilles De La Tourette Syndrome Using as Required Nabiximols Spray. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2021; 11:33. [PMID: 34430070 PMCID: PMC8344952 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tourette syndrome (TS) manifests with motor and vocal tics that can reach disabling intensity. Established therapies may show insufficient relief or side effects. Cannabinoids have demonstrated therapeutic potential in small studies. This report presents buccal Nabiximols “as required” in the treatment of tics in TS. Case report: A 25-year-old man presented with stigmatizing motor and phonic tics after cessation of daily Cannabis use. After Tiaprid 300 mg per day had shown no sufficient effect a trial of Nabiximols reduced tics by >90%. Discussion: Nabiximols could be an adjunct treatment in TS for situations were tics are severly disabling.
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