Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025
05:56
Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Published on: June 21, 2024
808
Should Cannabis be Used for Anorexia in Patients With Cancer?
Mellar Davis1, Claude Cyr2, Gregory B Crawford3
1Professor of Palliative Medicine (M.D.), Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|January 25, 2024
Summary
Cannabis does not significantly improve appetite in patients with anorexia-cachexia syndrome, despite popular belief. Research shows limited evidence for benefits, with synthetic products used in studies not reflecting common usage.
Area of Science:
- Medical Cannabis Research
- Oncology Supportive Care
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Patients with serious illnesses like cancer often experience appetite loss (anorexia-cachexia syndrome).
- Cannabis is popularly believed to stimulate appetite ('the munchies'), leading to its use by patients seeking relief.
- Limited scientific data exists on cannabis efficacy for appetite stimulation in clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cannabis for improving appetite in patients with anorexia-cachexia syndrome.
- To review existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on cannabis and appetite.
- To compare study findings with the popular perception of cannabis as an appetite stimulant.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating cannabis for appetite.
- Analysis of studies focusing on anorexia-cachexia syndrome and cannabis use.
- Consideration of the types of cannabis products used in research versus common patient use.
Main Results:
- Few small RCTs have studied cannabis for appetite, showing no statistically significant benefit.
- One study indicated a potential improvement in the taste of food.
- Research often uses synthetic cannabis products, differing from commonly used whole-flower products.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support the routine use of cannabis for anorexia-cachexia syndrome.
- Adverse effects and drug interactions of cannabis require further investigation.
- Expert opinions vary on medical cannabis certification for appetite loss, with some considering it for select cancer patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
278
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
278
02:49Cancer Therapies
7.7K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
7.7K
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
163
Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy. SP binds and activates...
163
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
348
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
348
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
70
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
70
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.3K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.3K