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Medicinal cannabis in oncology
Frederike K Engels1, Floris A de Jong, Ron H J Mathijssen
1Erasmus University Medical Centre--Daniel den Hoed Cancer Centre, Department of Medical Oncology, Groene Hilledijk 301, 3075 EA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|November 3, 2007
Summary
Since 2003, The Netherlands has offered legal medicinal cannabis for research and patients. However, uptake for clinical research and patient use remains lower than anticipated, prompting a review of its implementation and future outlook.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- The Netherlands introduced a legal, whole-cannabinoid medicinal cannabis product in September 2003.
- The policy aimed to facilitate clinical research, drug development, and patient access via prescription.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the background of legal medicinal cannabis in The Netherlands.
- To analyze Dutch clinical experience in oncology over the years.
- To identify reasons for suboptimal outcomes and discuss future perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Dutch policy and clinical practice.
- Analysis of clinical research initiation and patient adoption rates.
- Discussion of potential barriers and future strategies.
Main Results:
- Limited clinical research has been initiated since the policy's inception.
- Only a small percentage of patients utilize the legal medicinal cannabis product.
- The policy has not fully achieved its intended goals regarding research and patient access.
Conclusions:
- Despite legal availability, medicinal cannabis use in The Netherlands faces challenges in research and patient uptake.
- Further investigation into barriers and strategic adjustments is needed to optimize the policy's effectiveness.
- Future perspectives may involve enhancing clinical trials and patient accessibility for medicinal cannabis.
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