A user's guide to cannabinoid therapies in oncology

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Patients with malignant disease face significant unmet needs in pain and symptom management despite existing treatments.
• Cannabinoids, including plant-derived, synthetic, and endogenous compounds, interact with cannabinoid receptors and potentially others like opioid receptors.

Approach:

• Cannabinoid therapies encompass pharmaceuticals (nabilone, dronabinol, nabiximol), botanical materials, and infused oils.
• Regimens can be creative, combining various modalities for comprehensive patient care.
• Patients with malignant disease at any stage may benefit from cannabinoid monotherapy or adjuvant therapy.

Key Points:

• Established roles for cannabinoid therapy include managing pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and anorexia.
• Cannabinoids can concurrently manage multiple symptoms, potentially reducing polypharmacy.
• Therapies may improve quality of life and adherence to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Conclusions:

• Cannabinoid therapies present a versatile approach for managing complex symptoms in oncology patients.
• Potential benefits extend to improving patient quality of life and treatment compliance.
• Further research into cannabinoid's role in malignancy and symptom management is warranted.