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Endocannabinoid Mechanisms Influencing Nausea.
Martin A Sticht1, Erin M Rock2, Cheryl L Limebeer2
1Department of Psychology, Collaborative Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
International Review of Neurobiology
|December 8, 2015
Summary
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol can treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Enhancing the endocannabinoid system shows promise for treating acute nausea and anticipatory nausea (AN) when antiemetics fail.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Chemotherapy often causes nausea and vomiting, with nausea persisting despite antiemetic drugs.
- Anticipatory nausea (AN), triggered by chemotherapy cues, is particularly resistant to current treatments.
- The endocannabinoid system is known to play a role in regulating nausea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system for treating nausea.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies for acute and anticipatory nausea.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and nausea.
- Analysis of evidence for the efficacy of cannabinoids in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
Main Results:
- Cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, have a history of use in treating CINV.
- Current antiemetics are effective for vomiting but less so for nausea, especially AN.
- Evidence suggests that modulating the endocannabinoid system can alleviate nausea.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoids and strategies to enhance the endocannabinoid system offer potential new treatments for nausea.
- Targeting the endocannabinoid system may provide relief for patients suffering from acute and anticipatory nausea.
- Further research into cannabinoid-based therapies is warranted for managing chemotherapy side effects.
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