Topical Cannabinoid Composition for Chemo Brain Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies are ineffective in addressing radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-induced cognitive and emotional impairment, commonly known as chemo brain/fog, which affects patients' quality of life and no approved drugs exist for this condition, particularly in cases of intractable cancers like glioblastoma.
Innovation Solution
A topical cannabinoid composition, primarily containing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol), is administered topically to areas such as the forehead, temples, or the back of the neck to treat cognitive or emotional impairment associated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, using formulations like creams, gels, or patches, with dosages ranging from 0.1 to 30 mg per day.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional therapies are used to treat chemo brain/fog, then treatment coverage is provided, but effectiveness is insufficient as no approved drugs exist for this condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cannabinoids (specifically Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol/dronabinol) as an intermediary substance to treat chemo brain/fog. The cannabinoid composition acts as a mediator between the patient's endocannabinoid system and the cognitive impairment symptoms, providing therapeutic effects where no approved drugs previously existed. This resolves the contradiction by introducing a new therapeutic agent that bridges the gap between available treatments and unmet medical needs.
2Reliability
If topical cannabinoid composition is administered, then cognitive and emotional impairment is improved, but administration route and dosage precision must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for topical cannabinoid administration: dosages from 0.1 to 30 mg per day applied to specific areas (face excluding palpebral eye area or back of neck). This parameter optimization ensures therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects, resolving the contradiction between achieving cognitive improvement and maintaining ease of precise administration.
3Reliability
If chemotherapy agents are used to treat intractable cancers, then cancer treatment is provided, but cognitive and emotional side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful side effects of chemotherapy (cognitive and emotional impairment) into a treatable condition with a known therapeutic pathway. By identifying that cannabinoids can ameliorate chemo brain/fog symptoms, the invention transforms a harmful consequence of necessary cancer treatment into a manageable condition, allowing patients to receive both cancer therapy and cognitive support.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating radiotherapy - or chemotherapy - induced cognitive or emotional impairment by topically administering a cannabinoid. The cannabinoid is topically administered to an area of the face of the subject not including the palpebral part of the eye or to the back of the neck. To meet this need, a method for treating radiotherapy- or chemotherapy - associated cognitive or emotional impairment is provided. The method includes topically administering to a subject an effective amount of a composition containing a cannabinoid.