Cannabinoid consumption among cancer patients receiving systemic anti-cancer treatment in the Netherlands

Abstract

Purpose Despite the inconclusiveness regarding health effects of cannabinoids among cancer patients, studies from non-European countries suggest that the medical-intended consumption of such products by this patient group is significant. The current study analyses cannabinoid usage among oncology patients receiving systemic treatment in the Netherlands. Methods The current study included adult patients receiving intravenous systemic therapy at Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, for a solid malignancy. Participants were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire including questions on demographic variables, clinical variables and cannabinoid consumption. Results A total of 153 patients with solid cancer were included in this study. Almost 25% reported usage of cannabinoids for medical purposes, with 15% of the patients currently using the substance. Additionally, 18% of non-users considered future medical usage. In 48% of the cases, consumption was reported by the oncologist. The proposed anti-cancer effect was reported by 46% of the users as motivation for consumption. Current users were mainly palliative patients and 54% of the users were undergoing immunotherapy. Intention of treatment and type of therapy were predictive factors for consumption. Cannabinoid-oil was the most frequently used way of consumption. Conclusion This study underlines the high number of cannabinoid users among oncology patients in the Netherlands in presumed absence of clinical guidance. It highlights the essence of a pro-active role of the clinician, assessing cannabinoid usage and educating the patients on the most recent evidence regarding its potential benefits and risks. Further studies on clinical decision making and efficacy of cannabinoids are recommended, to improve clinical guidance.

Medicinal Cannabis in Cancer Treatment

“…Anecdotal success stories of cannabinoids are primarily to blame for the rise in the medical prescription of cannabis-derived oils and herbal cannabis [9]. Oelen et al surveyed 152 people who were aged 18 years or older and receiving intravenous systemic treatment at an outpatient facility in the Netherlands for solid cancer, in order to gauge patient views towards the use of cannabinoids in medical treatment [9]. The questionnaire included questions on cannabis consumption, sociodemographic factors, and clinical characteristics [9].…”

“…Oelen et al surveyed 152 people who were aged 18 years or older and receiving intravenous systemic treatment at an outpatient facility in the Netherlands for solid cancer, in order to gauge patient views towards the use of cannabinoids in medical treatment [9]. The questionnaire included questions on cannabis consumption, sociodemographic factors, and clinical characteristics [9]. Depending on their responses, patients were divided into one of the following categories: (1) never used cannabinoids, (2) recreative use of cannabinoids in the past, (3) medical use of cannabinoids in the past (4) current recreative use of cannabinoids, and (5) current medical use of cannabinoids [9].…”

“…The questionnaire included questions on cannabis consumption, sociodemographic factors, and clinical characteristics [9]. Depending on their responses, patients were divided into one of the following categories: (1) never used cannabinoids, (2) recreative use of cannabinoids in the past, (3) medical use of cannabinoids in the past (4) current recreative use of cannabinoids, and (5) current medical use of cannabinoids [9]. Then, the frequency of cannabinoid consumption was calculated for each group [9].…”

“…Depending on their responses, patients were divided into one of the following categories: (1) never used cannabinoids, (2) recreative use of cannabinoids in the past, (3) medical use of cannabinoids in the past (4) current recreative use of cannabinoids, and (5) current medical use of cannabinoids [9]. Then, the frequency of cannabinoid consumption was calculated for each group [9]. According to the report, nearly 25% of participants have used cannabinoids for medicinal purposes [9].…”

“…Then, the frequency of cannabinoid consumption was calculated for each group [9]. According to the report, nearly 25% of participants have used cannabinoids for medicinal purposes [9]. About 23% of current non-users reported having possible future medical use [9].…”