The Medical Necessity for Medicinal Cannabis: Prospective, Observational Study Evaluating the Treatment in Cancer Patients on Supportive or Palliative Care

Abstract

Background. Cancer patients using cannabis report better influence from the plant extract than from synthetic products. However, almost all the research conducted to date has been performed with synthetic products. We followed patients with a medicinal cannabis license to evaluate the advantages and side effects of using cannabis by cancer patients. Methods. The study included two interviews based on questionnaires regarding symptoms and side effects, the first held on the day the license was issued and the second 6–8 weeks later. Cancer symptoms and cannabis side effects were documented on scales from 0 to 4 following the CTCAE. The distress thermometer was used also. Results. Of the 211 patients who had a first interview, only 131 had the second interview, 25 of whom stopped treatment after less than a week. All cancer or anticancer treatment-related symptoms showed significant improvement (P < 0.001). No significant side effects except for memory lessening in patients with prolonged cannabis use (P = 0.002) were noted. Conclusion. The positive effects of cannabis on various cancer-related symptoms are tempered by reliance on self-reporting for many of the variables. Although studies with a control group are missing, the improvement in symptoms should push the use of cannabis in palliative treatment of oncology patients.

Patterns of Use of Medical Cannabis Among Israeli Cancer Patients: A Single Institution Experience

“…These data are consistent with a recent survey of Israeli patients, in which only 50% of those who received permits were actually using cannabis six to eight weeks after commencing treatment. 18 Although some patients (i.e., those receiving adjuvant treatment) may not need renewal, our data suggest that a significant percentage of patients and/or physicians do not perceive benefit from cannabis. As expected, patients with advanced disease and those receiving supportive care only were more likely to ask for renewal.…”

Therapeutic Cannabis and Endocannabinoid Signaling System Modulator Use in Otolaryngology Patients

“…Indications for both dronabinol and nabilone include the treatment of recalcitrant nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy in cancer patients. Dronabinol is also approved as an appetite stimulant in diseases such as AIDS which result in severe weight loss . (Table )…”

“…Dronabinol is also approved as an appetite stimulant in diseases such as AIDS which result in severe weight loss. [77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84] (Table IV)…”

Storage and disposal of medical cannabis among patients with cancer: Assessing the risk of diversion and unintentional digestion

“…[2][3][4] Two of the most commonly reported risks are dependence and an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. [9][10][11] The increasing evidence base for therapeutic effects, along with public pressure, has led to the implementation of medical cannabis policies in various jurisdictions, including Israel, Canada, and the Netherlands, as well as 23 states in the United States. [9][10][11] The increasing evidence base for therapeutic effects, along with public pressure, has led to the implementation of medical cannabis policies in various jurisdictions, including Israel, Canada, and the Netherlands, as well as 23 states in the United States.…”

“…Studies from Israel have found that between 13% to 25% of oncology patients treated with medical cannabis died approximately 4 to 8 weeks after receiving the license, 9,10 and 12% of patients withdrew from treatment with medical cannabis within a week due to negative side effects or the absence of clinical improvement. Oncology patients can be granted medical cannabis licenses for 1 of 2 indications: to reduce chemotherapy-induced symptoms (after exhaustive unsuccessful relief through traditional treatments) and as palliative care.…”