Medical marijuana for cancer

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Oncology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Marijuana has a long history of use, with growing interest in its medicinal properties.
• Cannabinoid pharmaceuticals like dronabinol, nabilone, and nabiximols have been developed for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the medical literature on marijuana and cannabinoid pharmaceuticals.
• To emphasize indications relevant to oncology, including nausea, appetite, and pain.
• To summarize available information on the adverse effects of marijuana use.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on medical marijuana and cannabinoid pharmaceuticals.
• Focus on evidence related to oncology, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and anorexia.
• Inclusion of data on spasticity and pain management.

Main Results:

• Dronabinol is FDA-approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and AIDS-related anorexia.
• Nabilone is studied for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
• Nabiximols is used for multiple sclerosis spasticity and pain in other countries.

Conclusions:

• Cannabinoid-based treatments have established roles in managing specific oncologic symptoms.
• Further investigation is needed for broader applications and a comprehensive understanding of side effects.