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Abstract
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.
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.
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 in university hospitals (40.2 %) or cancer centres (32.4 %), with over half from low- and middle-income countries. Most respondents (92.7 %) were unaware of clinical guidelines for MC. A proportion of 44.1 % were familiar with MC use, 78.8 % recognized its role in cancer pain, and 34 % identified its role in managing cachexia. Awareness of specific products was low, with only 10 % familiar with specific cannabis products. Three-quarters of respondents (84.4 %) did not prescribe MC routinely. Legal status and regulations were unclear for most participants; 40 % noted cannabis as illegal. MC use and patient requests were more common in high-income countries and the EURO region, with palliative care providers demonstrating the highest awareness and prescription rates.
Clearer regulations, standardized guidelines, and targeted education are essential to support the safe integration of MC into oncology and palliative care, ultimately improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
