Medical Cannabis Providing Effective Relief for Cancer Patients
Cancer unfortunately affects many lives and the reality is, even in end-stage cancer, the pain associated with it doesn’t go away. Despite the best attempts of physicians to provide effective treatments with opioids, which are frequently used as analgesics for managing chronic or neuropathic pain in cancer patients, these drugs have widely recognized problems such as severe side effects or high risk for dependency/overdosing. To improve quality of life outcomes for people suffering from this type of pain, alternative analgesics must be identified that can effectively manage pain while minimizing these major drawbacks. In this blog post we will explore how healthcare providers can work together to implement safe and effective strategies designed to provide relief without compromising patient safety in any way.
Insufficiently managed cancer-related chronic and neuropathic pain can have a negative impact on the quality of life for patients. For individuals who do not respond well to opioid analgesics or experience severe side effects from traditional treatments, alternative therapeutic options are necessary. Anecdotal evidence suggests that medical cannabis may hold potential for effectively managing pain in this patient population.
This review compiles a selection of clinical studies conducted from 1975 to 2014 that evaluated the efficacy of cannabinoid-based therapies containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in reducing cancer-associated pain. Within the studies, THC oil capsules, THC:CBD oromucosal spray (nabiximols), and THC oromucosal sprays were administered at various doses, ranging from 2.7–43.2 mg/day THC and 0–40 mg/day CBD. Some studies found evidence of pain reduction associated with these therapies, with higher doses of THC showing increased pain relief in certain cases. Interestingly, one study indicated that significant pain relief was achieved with lower doses of THC (2.7–10.8 mg) in combination with CBD (2.5–10.0 mg), but there were conflicting findings regarding the superiority of higher doses. Reported side effects include drowsiness, hypotension, mental clouding, and nausea/vomiting. While evidence suggests the potential of medical cannabis in reducing chronic or neuropathic pain in advanced cancer patients, it is important to note that many studies had limited statistical power due to small sample sizes. Therefore, further large-scale double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed in order to establish optimal dosage and efficacy of different cannabis-based therapies.
According to current research, medical cannabis may have a potential role in managing cancer pain. However, it is important to note that the number and quality of studies conducted thus far are somewhat limited. Therefore, further research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of medical cannabis as an alternative to opiates or as an additional therapy. Additionally, identifying the most suitable methods of administration is crucial for achieving optimal therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects. This information serves as an easily understandable and helpful resource for the cancer community, particularly for those seeking pain management options.
The reality of living with cancer, for many, also comes with dealing with a great amount of pain. With valid concerns about opioid analgesics, it is essential to research and consider alternative treatments for managing pain in cancer patients. These medications provide us with promise in reducing chronic pain and restoring quality of life. Ultimately, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to treatment, rather, comprehensive and tailored plans should be formed taking into account the individual’s characteristics such as age, gender, level of pain and physical health in order to reduce suffering. To that end, let us know if you or your family have used any alternative therapies or methods that have been effective in alleviating chronic pain related to cancer? Your story might provide needed inspiration to those who are currently searching for a suitable treatment approach!
Medical Research by
Alexia Blake, Bo Angela Wan, Leila Malek, Carlo DeAngelis, Patrick Diaz, Nicholas Lao, Edward Chow, Shannon O’Hearn
To See the Full Report
Visit Vol 6, Supplement 2 (December 04, 2017): Annals of Palliative Medicine.
