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McDaniels-Davidson C, Parada Jr H, Kasiri N, Patel SP, Strong D, Doran N. The association of perceived cannabis risks and benefits with cannabis use since cancer diagnosis. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2024; 2024:244-251. [PMID: 39108239 PMCID: PMC11303868 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with cancer use cannabis to help alleviate untreated cancer symptoms and side effects. METHODS We examined associations of perceived benefits and risks and postdiagnosis cannabis use in a weighted sample of adult cancer survivors through a 1-time survey. Fifteen perceived cannabis use benefits and 19 perceived risks were operationalized as both summary scores and report of any benefits or risks. Survey-weighted logistic regression provided covariate-adjusted odds of postdiagnosis cannabis use for each benefit-risk measure. RESULTS Among the weighted population of 3785 survivors (mean [SD] age = 62.2 [13.5] years), one-third used cannabis after diagnosis. Perceiving any benefits increased the odds of postdiagnosis cannabis use more than 500%, and perceiving any risks lowered the odds by 59%. Each SD increase in endorsed benefits doubled the odds of postdiagnosis cannabis use, while each SD increase in endorsed risks reduced the odds by 36%. CONCLUSION An accurate understanding of benefits and risks is critical for informed decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne McDaniels-Davidson
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Humberto Parada Jr
- Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nasim Kasiri
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sandip P Patel
- Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David Strong
- Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego,La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Neal Doran
- Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Psychology Service, Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA
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2
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Mulvey MR, Paley CA, Schuberth A, King N, Page A, Neoh K. Neuropathic Pain in Cancer: What Are the Current Guidelines? Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024:10.1007/s11864-024-01248-7. [PMID: 39102168 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01248-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Neuropathic cancer pain is experienced by 30-40% of patients with cancer. It significantly reduces quality of life and overall wellbeing for patients living with and beyond cancer. The underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain in patients with cancer are complex and involve direct tumour involvement, nerve compression or infiltration, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy-induced nerve damage, or post-surgical complications. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to assess and manage neuropathic cancer pain effectively. There is increasing recognition that standardisation of neuropathic pain assessment leads to tailored management and improved patient outcomes. Pain management strategies, including medication, interventional analgesia, physical and complementary therapy, can help alleviate neuropathic pain and improve the patient's comfort and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Mulvey
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds Level, 10 Worsley Building, Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9LN, UK.
| | - Carole A Paley
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds Level, 10 Worsley Building, Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9LN, UK
| | - Anna Schuberth
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds Level, 10 Worsley Building, Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9LN, UK
| | - Natalie King
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds Level, 10 Worsley Building, Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9LN, UK
| | - Andy Page
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds, UK
| | - Karen Neoh
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds, UK
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Mick G, Douek P. Clinical Benefits and Safety of Medical Cannabis Products: A Narrative Review on Natural Extracts. Pain Ther 2024:10.1007/s40122-024-00643-0. [PMID: 39096481 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-024-00643-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest in medical cannabis and cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) has increased greatly in recent years. Two cannabinoids are of principal importance; delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), the primary psychoactive component, and also cannabidiol (CBD), considered non-intoxicating. Each has distinct mechanisms of action and different therapeutic potentials. CBMPs differ in their ∆9-THC and CBD components; predominantly ∆9-THC, balanced formulations with equivalent ∆9-THC and CBD elements, and CBD-predominant products. In this narrative review, we evaluate the published evidence for the clinical benefits of CBMPs and overall benefits in well-being. We also review the overall safety profile and discuss the potential for dependence with CBMPs. Evidence can be drawn from a wide range of randomized and other controlled studies and from observational real-world studies. Most data from observational registry studies are supportive of ∆9-THC-based products (∆9-THC-predominant or balanced CBMPs) in the management of chronic neuropathic pain. Balanced products are also effective in reducing spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Most CBMPs show benefit in providing symptomatic benefits in reducing anxiety, nausea, and in improving sleep, but the place of specific products is more subtle, and choice guided by specific circumstances. Symptomatic improvements are accompanied by improved quality of life and well-being. Safety data indicate that CBMPs are generally well tolerated in most patients without specific contraindications. The majority of adverse effects are non-serious, and transient; most are principally associated with ∆9-THC and are dose-dependent. In contrast to recreational cannabis use, there is little evidence from clinical studies that CBMPs have any potential for dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérard Mick
- Pain Center, Voiron Hospital, CHU Grenoble-Alpes-Voiron, Voiron, 38500, Grenoble, France.
- CETD, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, CHU de Lyon-Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), 69500, Bron, France.
- Health Systemic Process (P2S) Laboratory, Research Unit 4129, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France.
- THEMAS Team, TIMC Laboratory, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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Wang RQ, Bonomo YA, Hallinan CM. Overview of global monitoring systems for the side effects and adverse events associated with medicinal cannabis use: a scoping review using a systematic approach. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e085166. [PMID: 39025811 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The use of cannabis-based medicine (CBM) as a therapeutic has surged in Australia over the past 5 years. Historically, the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) prohibited cannabis use in Europe, the USA, the UK and Australia, leading to legislative resistance and limited preclinical data on CBM. Existing safety monitoring systems for CBM are poorly structured and do not integrate well into the workflows of busy health professionals. As a result, postmarketing surveillance is inconsistent. This review aims to evaluate international systems for monitoring CBM side effects and adverse events. DESIGN To undertake a scoping review with a systematic approach, we used the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) framework to develop keyword elements, and two search queries to maximise search sensitivity and specificity. DATA SOURCES Search queries were entered into Embase and Scopus for peer-reviewed literature, and additional searches for grey literature were conducted on 23 June 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included 54 full-text articles in the review: 39 from peer-reviewed searches, 8 from grey literature and 7 from citations of relevant texts. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Our search yielded two main forms of monitoring systems: databases and registries. Out of the 24 monitoring systems identified, there were 10 databases and 14 registries, with databases often created by regulatory authorities. Systems differed in methods of causality assessment, level of detail collected, terminology and affiliations. RESULTS Within the monitoring systems with enough published data for analysis, all except one remain active at the time of this review. VigiBase is the largest centralised monitoring system, receiving international case reports, however data heterogeneity persists. CONCLUSIONS Our study emphasises the need for a centralised, consistent and accessible system for the postmarketing surveillance of side effects and adverse events associated with medicinal cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Qi Wang
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yvonne Ann Bonomo
- Addiction Medicine, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christine Mary Hallinan
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- HaBIC R2, Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Glenny L. Medical cannabis. Int J Palliat Nurs 2024; 30:263. [PMID: 38913642 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2024.30.6.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Glenny
- Editor, International Journal of Palliative Nursing
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Herdegen T, Cascorbi I. Drug Interactions of Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol in Cannabinoid Drugs. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 120:833-840. [PMID: 37874128 PMCID: PMC10824494 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoid drugs containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or its structural analogues, as monotherapeutic agents or as extracts or botanical preparations with or without cannabidiol (CBD) are often prescribed to multimorbid patients who are taking multiple drugs. This raises the question of the risk of drug interactions. METHODS This review of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of interactions with cannabinoid drugs and their potential effects is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search. RESULTS As THC and CBD are largely metabolized in the liver, their bioavailability after oral or oral-mucosal administration is low (6-8% and 11-13%, respectively). The plasma concentrations of THC and its active metabolite 11-OH-THC can be increased by strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (verapamil, clarithromycin) and decreased by strong CYP3A4 inductors (rifampicin, carbamazepine). The clinical significance of these effects is unclear because of the variable plasma level and therapeutic spectrum of THC. The metabolism of CBD is less dependent on cytochrome P450 enzymes than that of THC. THC and CBD inhibit CYP2C and CYP3A4; the corresponding clinically relevant drug interactions probably are likely to arise only with THC doses above 30 mg/day and CBD doses above 300 mg/day. CONCLUSION Potential drug interactions with THC and CBD are probably of little importance at low or moderate doses. Strong CYP inhibitors or inductors can intensify or weaken their effect. Slowly ramping up the dose of oral cannabinoid drugs can lessen their pharmacodynamic interactions, which can generally be well controlled. Administration by inhalation can worsen the interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Herdegen
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ingolf Cascorbi
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Cohen T, Ezra MB, Yanai S, Oren-Azulay T, Wein S, Hamama-Raz Y. Use of Medical Cannabis by Patients With Cancer: Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practice. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:203-211.e1. [PMID: 37244526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Demand for medical cannabis (MC) is growing among Israeli patients with cancer. OBJECTIVES The study sought to assess factors contributing to the demand for MC among patients with cancer. METHODS Patients applying for a permit to receive MC at a pain and palliative clinic of a university-affiliated cancer center in Israel in 2020-2021 were asked to complete self-report questionnaires assessing attitudes, knowledge, and expectations regarding MC use. Findings were compared between first-time and repeat applicants. Repeat applicants were asked to report their indications for requesting MC, patterns of use, and treatment effect. RESULTS The cohort included 146 patients: 63 first-time applicants and 83 repeat applicants. First-time applicants were more likely to consult sources other than their oncologist for MC-related information (P < 0.01) and expressed more concern about addiction (P < 0.001) and side effects (P < 0.05). They often erroneously assumed the treatment was subsidized (P < 0.001). Repeat applicants were younger (P < 0.05) and included more smokers (P < 0.05) and recreational cannabis users (P < 0.05); 56.6% were cancer survivors and 78% used high-potency MC. Most patients believed to some degree that MC is more effective than conventional medications for symptom control, and over half thought that MC helps to cure cancer. CONCLUSION Misconceptions regarding the effectiveness of MC for symptom management and treatment may explain the motivation of patients with cancer to apply for a permit. There seems to be an association of young age, cigarette smoking, and recreational cannabis use with ongoing use of MC among cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzeela Cohen
- Palliative Care Service (T.C., S.Y., T.O.A., S.W.), Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel.
| | | | - Shirly Yanai
- Palliative Care Service (T.C., S.Y., T.O.A., S.W.), Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Tal Oren-Azulay
- Palliative Care Service (T.C., S.Y., T.O.A., S.W.), Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Simon Wein
- Palliative Care Service (T.C., S.Y., T.O.A., S.W.), Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Yaira Hamama-Raz
- School of Social Work (M.B.E., Y.H.R.), Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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