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Related Experiment Videos

Cancer cachexia and cannabinoids.

R W Gorter1

  • 1Europäisches Institut für onkologische und immunologische Forschung, Berlin, Germany.

Forschende Komplementarmedizin
|November 27, 1999
PubMed
Summary
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Cancer patients often suffer from anorexia and cachexia. This study compares whole-plant cannabis to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for appetite stimulation and improved quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Anorexia and cachexia affect over two-thirds of advanced cancer patients, impacting morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are significant quality of life inhibitors for cancer patients.
  • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was approved in 1986 as an anti-emetic for chemotherapy patients and has shown appetite-stimulating effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the therapeutic effects of whole-plant cannabis extracts with THC (dronabinol) alone in controlled studies.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of cannabis in managing cancer-related anorexia and cachexia.
  • To investigate the role of other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), in mitigating THC's psychotropic effects while preserving appetite stimulation.

Main Methods:

  • Controlled studies comparing whole-plant cannabis extracts to THC (dronabinol).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assessment of appetite stimulation and body weight changes in cancer patients.
  • Evaluation of patient-reported quality of life, including nausea and vomiting.

    • Main Results:

    • THC has demonstrated appetite stimulation and increased body weight in clinical studies.
    • Anecdotal evidence suggests cannabis itself stimulates appetite.
    • Cannabis may be better tolerated than THC alone due to the presence of other cannabinoids like CBD, which can counteract THC's psychotropic effects.

    Conclusions:

    • Whole-plant cannabis extracts warrant further investigation as a therapeutic option for cancer-related anorexia and cachexia.
    • Cannabis may offer a more balanced therapeutic profile compared to THC alone due to its cannabinoid composition.
    • Further controlled studies are needed to confirm the comparative efficacy and tolerability of whole-plant cannabis versus dronabinol.