Preliminary assessment of medical cannabis consumption by cancer survivors

Zolotov, Yuval; Eshet, Lia; Morag, Ofir

doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102592

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Indeed, only three studies were not associated with this physical health domain [ 51 , 63 , 64 ]. More than one third of the studies and reviews ( n = 59/163; 36.2%) were related to emotional health (managing emotions) [ 2 , 4 , 8 , 17 – 19 , 30 , 42 , 46 – 49 , 52 – 54 , 57 – 62 , 65 – 102 ]. In addition, 22/62 studies [ 7 , 8 , 48 – 50 , 52 , 58 – 60 , 62 , 65 , 66 , 69 , 73 , 77 , 86 , 88 , 102 – 106 ] and 10/101 knowledge syntheses [ 17 , 30 , 79 , 80 , 85 , 96 , 100 , 107 – 109 ] stated reasons for the use of medical cannabis related to overall quality of life (facilitating daily living and domestic activities, recreational use).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, several primary studies and knowledge syntheses show favourable results regarding the use of medical cannabis to increase appetite and aid weight gain in people diagnosed with cancer [ 37 , 48 , 67 , 117 ]. Many surveys also suggest that people diagnosed with cancer perceive cannabis use as improving sleep or reducing insomnia [ 2 , 59 , 67 , 87 , 126 , 129 , 130 ]. Further scientific research is needed on certain therapeutic indications, such as for cancer cachexia, insomnia, emotion, and stress management, that are not currently recognized by various regulatory agencies (e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Routes of administration, reasons for use, and approved indications of medical cannabis in oncology: a scoping review

et al. 2022

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Introduction Some patients diagnosed with cancer use medical cannabis to self-manage undesirable symptoms, including nausea and pain. To improve patient safety and oncological care quality, the routes of administration for use of medical cannabis, patients’ reasons, and prescribed indications must be better understood. Methods Based on the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, a scoping review was conducted to map the current evidence regarding the use of medical cannabis in oncological settings based on the experiences of patients diagnosed with cancer and their healthcare providers. A search strategy was developed with a scientific librarian which included five databases (CINAHL, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO) and two grey literature sources (Google Scholar and ProQuest). The inclusion criteria were: 1) population: adults aged 18 and over diagnosed with cancer; 2) phenomena of interest: reasons for cannabis use and/or the prescribed indications for medical cannabis; 3) context: oncological setting. French- or English-language primary empirical studies, knowledge syntheses, and grey literature published between 2000 and 2021 were included. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and subjected to a thematic analysis. A narrative description approach was used to synthesize and present the findings. Results We identified 5,283 publications, of which 163 met the eligibility criteria. Two main reasons for medical cannabis use emerged from the thematic analysis: limiting the impacts of cancer and its side effects; and staying connected to others. Our results also indicated that medical cannabis is mostly used for three approved indications: to manage refractory nausea and vomiting, to complement pain management, and to improve appetite and food intake. We highlighted 11 routes of administration for medical cannabis, with oils and oral solutions the most frequently reported. Conclusion Future studies should consider the multiple routes of administration for medical cannabis, such as inhalation and edibles. Our review highlights that learning opportunities would support the development of healthcare providers’ knowledge and skills in assessing the needs and preferences of patients diagnosed with cancer who use medical cannabis.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Routes of administration, reasons for use, and approved indications of medical cannabis in oncology: a scoping review

et al. 2022

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“…This suggests that even in a country where cannabis consumption is relatively tolerated, cannabinoid consumption as alternative or adjunctive treatment is not yet a topic which is easily addressed by either the clinician or the patient, which is in agreement with previous research (Braun et al 2020 ; Kleckner et al 2019 ; Pergam et al 2017 ). Absence of clinical guidance, however, leaves the patients relying on non-medical sources of information, with presumed lower degrees of clinical evidence (Zolotov et al 2021 ), thereby potentially posing patients at medical risks. This does not only concern the anti-cancer believe, but also the potential risks related to concurrent immunotherapy.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This would aid clinicians in finding an effective dialog with patients with respect to this topic. Additionally, research on the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis is encouraged, to provide the doctors with adequate information to enable them to competently guide their patients, since many health care professionals reported to feel unprepared for this topic (Arboleda et al 2020 ; Braun et al 2020 ; Zolotov et al 2021 ). Semi-structured interviews with medical specialist would be helpful in assessing their current beliefs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Oelen

Revenberg

Vos‐Geelen

et al. 2022

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol

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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.

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“…In recent years, the addition of medical marijuana, acupuncture, and low-impact exercise such as tai chi and yoga has shown benefit in the appropriate cancer patient [ 80 , 88 , 90 , 93 , 97 , 100 – 107 ]. Medical marijuana has gained popularity for its ability to treat pain, refractory nausea, and vomiting and improve appetite; however, caution should be taken with use of this agent in patients with previous psychiatric or cardiac conditions [ 101 , 102 ].…”

Section: Additional Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Safety, Precautions, and Modalities in Cancer Rehabilitation: an Updated Review

Zheng

Mixon

McLarney

2021

Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep

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Purpose of Review Providing rehabilitation to patients with cancer can be challenging due to the medical complexity associated with the illness and its treatments. This article provides the reader with a summary of frequently encountered medical conditions in the cancer population and associated safety considerations and precautions. An update on treatment modalities commonly used for symptom management is also presented. Recent Findings Cancer and cancer treatments can cause changes in multiple organ systems. Special considerations and precautions are necessary to provide safe and effective rehabilitation. Physical modalities can be used as monotherapy or adjunct to treatment for common cancer-related side effects with recent studies noting benefit with a variety of modalities. Summary Detailed assessment of the cancer patient is necessary before implementing a rehabilitation program. Understanding cancer and side effects of treatments, including newer options, are necessary to provide safe care.

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Preliminary assessment of medical cannabis consumption by cancer survivors

Cited by 7 publications

References 36 publications

Routes of administration, reasons for use, and approved indications of medical cannabis in oncology: a scoping review

Routes of administration, reasons for use, and approved indications of medical cannabis in oncology: a scoping review

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

Safety, Precautions, and Modalities in Cancer Rehabilitation: an Updated Review

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