Abstract Objectives: To descriptively assess cannabis perceptions and patterns of use among older adult cancer survivors in a state without a legal cannabis marketplace. Methods: This study used weighted prevalence estimates to cross-sectionally describe cannabis perceptions and patterns of use among older (65+) adults (N = 524) in a National Cancer Institute-designated center in a state without legal cannabis access. Results: Half (46%) had ever used cannabis (18% following diagnosis and 10% currently). Only 8% had discussed cannabis with their provider. For those using post-diagnosis, the most common reason was for pain (44%), followed by insomnia (43%), with smoking being the most common (40%) mode of use. Few (<3%) reported that...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background Medical cannabis (MC) has gained traction in oncology for managing cancer-related symptoms, but its integration faces challenges due to limited evidence, inconsistent guidelines, and varied legal frameworks. Methods The TASMAN study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oncologists and palliative care providers globally regarding MC use in cancer care. A survey of healthcare providers from diverse regions and income levels was conducted. Results we study included 179 participants (response rate: 51.1 %), with an equal gender distribution (49.4 % female) and a median age of 37 years. Participants were primarily oncologists (71.5 %), practicing...

Abstract Cancer pain (CP) is a prevalent condition with limited pharmacotherapeutic options. Cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) have shown analgesic effects, but their efficacy in CP remains contentious. This study aims to evaluate the change in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and adverse events (AEs) in CP patients treated with CBMPs. A case series was conducted using prospectively collected clinical data from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Primary outcomes were the changes in the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), pain visual analogue scale (Pain-VAS), EQ-5D-5L, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale (SQS) questionnaires from baseline to 1, 3,...

Abstract Objective Previous cancer studies have indicated that medical marijuana addresses a significant unmet need, namely chronic pain treatment and conferring oncology supportive care. However, the clinical research evaluating medical marijuana is preliminary and requires further consideration. Data Sources We conducted a PubMed search primarily comprising retrospective and prospective studies, systematic reviews, and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from approximately 2020–2023. The search included specific terms that incorporated medical marijuana, cancer treatment, cancer-related symptoms, pain management, and side effects. Data Summary A total of 40 studies were included in the review, many of which were either of acceptable or good quality. Select investigations indicated that...

Abstract Context Studies generally focus on one type of chronic condition and the effect of medical cannabis (MC) on symptoms; little is known about the perceptions and engagement of patients living with chronic conditions regarding the use of MC. Objectives This scoping review aims to explore: (1) what are the dimensions addressed in studies on MC that deal with patients' perceptions of MC? and (2) how have patients been engaged in developing these studies and their methodologies? Through these objectives, we have identified areas for improving future research. Methods We searched five databases and applied exclusion criteria to select relevant articles. A thematic analysis...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) play a pivotal role in ovarian cancer management. With medical cannabis emerging as a novel component of supportive care, this study investigated the impact of medical cannabis use on oncological outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer undergoing PARPi therapy. Methods The study included patients from a single institution database treated for ovarian cancer between January 2014 and January 2020 who received PARPi maintenance therapy in a first-line or recurrent disease setting after a confirmed response to platinum-based treatment. The study categorized patients as cannabis users and cannabis-naïve. Univariate and...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Objectives Medical cannabis is increasingly used by young patients with cancer. We aimed to describe the patterns and perceptions of medical cannabis use among young adults with cancer. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2021 and included patients aged 18–45 from the Department of Oncology at Sheba Medical Center, as well as participants from the Stop-Cancer social platform. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire assessing demographics, disease status, cannabis permit status, use patterns and perceptions. Results Of the 605 participants who completed the survey, 250 held an active cannabis permit. Median age was 38 (IQR...

Please use this link to access this publication. Key Points Question  Is cannabis use associated with increased risk of head and neck cancer (HNC)? Findings  In this cohort study of 116 076 individuals, people with cannabis use disorder had an increased risk of any HNC, as well as oral, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, salivary gland, and laryngeal cancer, compared with a group of matched individuals. Meaning  The results of this study suggest that patients with cannabis-related disorder may be at an increased risk for HNC, and further studies are required to further explore the strength and potential mechanisms of this association. Abstract Importance  Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance...

Please use this link to access this publication. Abstract Background Natural and synthetic cannabinoids are being used worldwide to treat various symptoms in cancer patients. This study aims to map the therapeutic benefits and adverse effects associated with the use of cannabis-based drugs in these outcomes. Methods Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines a scoping review was conducted. The study protocol was available in the Open Science Framework public repository. An extensive search strategy involving databases like Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, Google Scholar, and Open Gray for gray literature analysis was executed by a skilled librarian. The inclusion criteria were primary studies (observational...

Simple Summary Cancer is a major disease and a leading cause of death worldwide. Improving treatment and management strategies for cancer is critical. This article explores cannabis and its pharmacological properties as a promising tool in cancer care, especially in easing symptoms like appetite loss, pain, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. Moreover, it examines the anti-tumor properties of cannabis, highlighting that, although some evidence suggests benefits, more research is necessary to confirm these effects. The article addresses the evidence concerning the clinical challenges of using cannabis, such as its psychoactive effects, and potential side effects. The article aims to clarify the current understanding of cannabis...