Open AccessCannabis Use in Patients With Cancer: A Clinical Review
Author(s) -
Brooke Worster,
Emily R. Hajjar,
Nathan Handley
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
jco oncology practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2688-1535
pISSN - 2688-1527
DOI - 10.1200/op.22.00080
Subject(s) - cannabis , nausea , motivational interviewing , medicine , dosing , cancer , psychiatry , psychology , pharmacology , psychological intervention
Cannabis use and interest continues to increase among patients with cancer and caregivers. High-quality research remains scant in many areas, causing hesitancy or discomfort among most clinical providers. Although we have limitations on hard outcomes, we can provide some guidance and more proactively engage in conversations with patients and family about cannabis. Several studies support the efficacy of cannabis for various cancer and treatment-related symptoms, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and cancer pain. Although formulations and dosing guidelines for clinicians do not formally exist at present, attention to tetrahydrocannabinol concentration and understanding of risks with inhalation can reduce risk. Conflicting information exists on the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy as well as estrogen receptor interactions. Motivational interviewing can help engage in more productive, less stigmatized conversations.