at least since 2017 oncologists warn in the German-speaking area before a use of methadone for the treatment of cancer. Media reported at the time beading on Claudia and her research with the Opioid, which is mainly from drug replacement therapy, known. In the laboratory, the German chemist found evidence that the substance could potentially complement conventional cancer therapies.

Concerned, put since great hopes in methadone. Experts criticize, however, that no clinical studies exist that monitored the suspected effect of the drug in patients have been tested. Now, the German cancer aid has spoken for the first time, money for such a study. Is carried out by scientists in order to Thomas Seufferlein University hospital Ulm. Claudia Friesen itself belongs to the scientific Committee of the study.

– Sensitive cancer cells

about 70 of patients with advanced colorectal cancer can Participate. The grant amounts to CHF 1.8 million. The Start of the study, announced for the first quarter of 2020, and the first results will at the earliest be available in 2022. Approximately half of the patients, methadone is administered as a Supplement to conventional chemotherapy, and the remainder in the control group and receives only chemotherapy.

on the basis of laboratory findings, and application of observations, the researchers suggest that methadone may not help, if the usual chemotherapy strikes. In these patients, the cancer cells have become resistant. Methadone would make you thus, for the chemotherapeutic agents again sensitive. Whether this is the case, you need to show clinical studies now.

Further studies are needed

Claudia Friesen is happy about the support, but points out to this newspaper: “The promotion of the study by the German cancer aid is only a beginning.” Possible, the success was only thanks to donations from patients and relatives. This would have funded the necessary basic research, as no money was available. Beading is now hoping for further support by the German Federal Ministry of education and research (BMBF).

“Now, a study with another type of cancer would also make sense to us.”Julia Strasser, the self-help Association “methadone in the treatment of cancer”

In the summer had to be transferred to the competent Committee of the Bundestag, a Petition, which calls for the financial support of the methadone research. “We urgently need the support of the BMBF,” says Friesen. As the results, when the colon will not be on other types of cancer are transferable, it need further clinical studies.

In Switzerland, feels Julia Strasser from the self-help Association “methadone in the treatment of cancer” in their efforts, encourages: “Now a study with another type of cancer would also make sense to us.” In the case of the Swiss group for Clinical cancer research (SAKK), it is in spite of original reservations methadone compared to quite open. “When we get a good study will be submitted to the Protocol to methadone, let’s see for sure”, said oncologist and SAKK President Roger moss in August of this newspaper.

Created: 31.10.2019, 17:50 PM