Cannabinoid Oncology Research for Ovarian Cancer
Donation protected
Canna Onc Research was born of necessity. After 3 debulking (removing cancerous tissue) surgeries, 30+ rounds of chemotherapy and a year of immunotherapy, conventional medicine did not have a cure for Michelle's ovarian cancer. She thought she was out of options, but then she found a plant, a plant banned around the world for 80 years, Cannabis, and it shrank her tumor!
As she described in her movie, Michelle discovered that the story of cannabis and cancer was complex, and because of five decades of US federal drug policy very little research had been done. In particular, nothing was known about which cannabinoid compounds would be effective against ovarian cancer. So in fall 2020 Michelle teamed up with a research group in Israel to do a preclinical research study into cannabis and ovarian cancer. Michelle funded this work by cashing out her IRA; our parents also supported this work with generous gifts. Michelle quickly formed a company, called Canna Onc Research, to facilitate the contracting with the lab.
The results of this research (described in this preprint) were very promising: compounds extracted from a high-THC cannabis strain had multiple effects on ovarian cancer cell cultures, including interrupting the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), and reducing cell migration. In addition, this anti-cancer effects showed strong synergy with niraparib, an existing therapeutic drug. Here's a graphical summary of the paper:
Sadly, by the time we could acquire a tincture formulated according to the results of the research, Michelle's cancer was so far advanced that the cannabis could only slow the tumor growth, not reverse it. Michelle died on September 26, 2021.
Before she died, Michelle and I pledged to continue supporting the research. Even though it was too late to save Michelle, the results are just too promising to stop, and we both hope that we can proceed to clinical trials and drug development, ultimately leading to a new medicine for treating ovarian cancer. The next phase of the research will cost $550,000.
That's where you can help. Michelle's life insurance, together with proceeds from the sale of her car and jewelry, will cover a substantial fraction of that pledge, but there is still more to raise to reach our target. Every dollar you donate (less GFM's transaction fees) will go straight to this important and exciting research project.
What will you get in exchange for your gift? First and foremost, a feeling of satisfaction: satisfaction that you are helping to sustain Michelle's legacy; satisfaction that you are contributing to a potential cure for a terrible cancer that afflicts so many women around the world. In addition, as a supporter, you'll also receive an occasional newsletter from me with updates about our progress, breaking news, and insider stories about the research. And, of course, you'll have an even stronger connection with the Michelle you are carrying in your heart.
So please join me in creating the future of Cannabis Medicine!
with gratitude,
Bruce Kendall, and Michelle-in-our-hearts (aka Cancer Warrior)
P.S. If you're new to Michelle's story, please check out her film, blog, and links at the Schedule1Movie website. And thank you again to all of you who previously contributed to the movie project!
P.P.S. We are currently only set up to receive personal gifts. But if you want to make a major contribution that exceeds the personal gift limit, please contact me via the email listed on the Canna Onc Research website and we can discuss potential options.
As she described in her movie, Michelle discovered that the story of cannabis and cancer was complex, and because of five decades of US federal drug policy very little research had been done. In particular, nothing was known about which cannabinoid compounds would be effective against ovarian cancer. So in fall 2020 Michelle teamed up with a research group in Israel to do a preclinical research study into cannabis and ovarian cancer. Michelle funded this work by cashing out her IRA; our parents also supported this work with generous gifts. Michelle quickly formed a company, called Canna Onc Research, to facilitate the contracting with the lab.
The results of this research (described in this preprint) were very promising: compounds extracted from a high-THC cannabis strain had multiple effects on ovarian cancer cell cultures, including interrupting the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), and reducing cell migration. In addition, this anti-cancer effects showed strong synergy with niraparib, an existing therapeutic drug. Here's a graphical summary of the paper:
Sadly, by the time we could acquire a tincture formulated according to the results of the research, Michelle's cancer was so far advanced that the cannabis could only slow the tumor growth, not reverse it. Michelle died on September 26, 2021.
Before she died, Michelle and I pledged to continue supporting the research. Even though it was too late to save Michelle, the results are just too promising to stop, and we both hope that we can proceed to clinical trials and drug development, ultimately leading to a new medicine for treating ovarian cancer. The next phase of the research will cost $550,000.
That's where you can help. Michelle's life insurance, together with proceeds from the sale of her car and jewelry, will cover a substantial fraction of that pledge, but there is still more to raise to reach our target. Every dollar you donate (less GFM's transaction fees) will go straight to this important and exciting research project.
What will you get in exchange for your gift? First and foremost, a feeling of satisfaction: satisfaction that you are helping to sustain Michelle's legacy; satisfaction that you are contributing to a potential cure for a terrible cancer that afflicts so many women around the world. In addition, as a supporter, you'll also receive an occasional newsletter from me with updates about our progress, breaking news, and insider stories about the research. And, of course, you'll have an even stronger connection with the Michelle you are carrying in your heart.
So please join me in creating the future of Cannabis Medicine!
with gratitude,
Bruce Kendall, and Michelle-in-our-hearts (aka Cancer Warrior)
P.S. If you're new to Michelle's story, please check out her film, blog, and links at the Schedule1Movie website. And thank you again to all of you who previously contributed to the movie project!
P.P.S. We are currently only set up to receive personal gifts. But if you want to make a major contribution that exceeds the personal gift limit, please contact me via the email listed on the Canna Onc Research website and we can discuss potential options.
Organizer
Bruce Kendall
Organizer
Santa Barbara, CA
