Cote, M., Trudel, M., Wang, C., & Fortin, A. (2016). Improving quality of life with nabilone during radiotherapy treatments for head and neck cancers: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 125, 317–324.

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1177/0003489415612801

Study Purpose

To compare effects of nabilone versus placebo on quality of life and symptoms

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients were randomized to receive placebo or nabilone 0.5 mg at bedtime during the first week, and increased as needed to a maximum of 1 mg twice daily. Concomitant use of other analgesics was permitted.

Sample Characteristics

N = 52, 32 at week 7
AGE: Mean = 63.15 years
MALES: 80%
FEMALES: 20%
CURRENT TREATMENT: Radiation, combination radiation and chemotherapy
KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: All had head and neck cancer; most were oropharynx
OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: 13.5% were current smokers

Setting

SITE: Single site
SETTING TYPE: Outpatient
LOCATION: Canada

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Active anti-tumor treatment

Study Design

Placebo-controlled RCT

Measurement Instruments/Methods

EORTC QLQ-C30 for quality of life
VAS for pain

Results

There were no significant differences between groups in pain or quality of life. There were no differences between groups in use of other analgesics.

Conclusions

No benefit of nabilone was found in this study.

Limitations

Small sample (< 100)

Nursing Implications

Nabilone was not found to be of benefit for patients with head and neck cancer during radiation therapy in this study.