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Cannabis Use in Patients With Cancer: A Clinical Review.
Brooke Worster1,2, Emily R Hajjar3, Nathan Handley1,2,4
1Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
JCO Oncology Practice
|June 24, 2022
Summary
Cannabis shows promise for managing cancer symptoms like nausea and pain, despite limited research. Healthcare providers can guide patients by discussing risks and benefits, especially concerning inhalation and drug interactions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Increasing patient and caregiver interest in cannabis for cancer symptom management.
- Scarcity of high-quality research leading to clinical provider hesitancy.
- Need for evidence-based guidance on medical cannabis in oncology.
Approach:
- Review of existing studies on cannabis efficacy for cancer-related symptoms.
- Discussion of current limitations in formulations and dosing guidelines.
- Exploration of potential risks, including inhalation and drug interactions (immunotherapy, estrogen receptors).
Key Points:
- Cannabis demonstrates efficacy in alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea and cancer pain.
- Formal clinical guidelines for cannabis formulations and dosing are currently lacking.
- Understanding tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration and inhalation risks is crucial.
- Conflicting data exists regarding cannabis interactions with immunotherapy and estrogen receptors.
Conclusions:
- While definitive outcomes are limited, guidance can be provided to patients and families.
- Motivational interviewing can facilitate more open and less stigmatized conversations about cannabis.
- Further research is needed to establish clear clinical protocols for medical cannabis in cancer care.
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