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Chhabra M, Ben-Eltriki M, Paul A, Lê ML, Herbert A, Oberoi S, Bradford N, Bowers A, Rassekh SR, Kelly LE. Cannabinoids for symptom management in children with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer 2023; 129:3656-3670. [PMID: 37635461 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the widespread use of medical cannabis, little is known regarding the safety, efficacy, and dosing of cannabis products in children with cancer. The objective of this study was to systematically appraise the existing published literature for the use of cannabis products in children with cancer. METHODS This systematic review, registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020187433), searched four databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. Abstracts and full texts were screened in duplicate. Data on types of cannabis products, doses, formulations, frequencies, routes of administration, indications, and clinical and demographic details as well as reported efficacy outcomes were extracted. Data on cannabinoid-related adverse events were also summarized. RESULTS Out of 34,611 identified citations, 19 unique studies with a total of 1927 participants with cancer were included: eight retrospective chart reviews, seven randomized controlled trials, two open-label studies, and two case reports. The included studies reported the use of various cannabis products for the management of symptoms. Cannabinoids were commonly used for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (11 of 19 [58%]). In controlled studies, somnolence, dizziness, dry mouth, and withdrawal due to adverse events were more commonly associated with the use of cannabinoids. Across all included studies, no serious cannabis-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Although there is evidence to support the use of cannabis for symptom management, in children with cancer, there is a lack of rigorous evidence to inform the dosing, safety, and efficacy of cannabinoids. Because of the increasing interest in using cannabis, there is an urgent need for more research on medical cannabis in children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manik Chhabra
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Mohamed Ben-Eltriki
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Arun Paul
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Mê-Linh Lê
- Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Anthony Herbert
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sapna Oberoi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Natalie Bradford
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alison Bowers
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - S Rod Rassekh
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lauren E Kelly
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Oberoi S, Protudjer JLP, Rapoport A, Rassekh SR, Crooks B, Siden H, Decker K, Ananth P, Chapman S, Balneaves LG, Vanan MI, Kelly LE. Perspectives of pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians on the therapeutic use of cannabis in children with cancer. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2022; 5:e1551. [PMID: 34672127 PMCID: PMC9458513 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with cancer are increasingly using cannabis therapeutically. AIM The purpose of this study was to determine the perspectives and practices of pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians regarding the use of cannabis for medical purposes among children with cancer. METHODS A self-administered, voluntary, cross-sectional, deidentified online survey was sent to all pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians in Canada between June and August 2020. Survey domains included education, knowledge, and concerns about cannabis, views on its effectiveness, and the importance of cannabis-related research. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS In total, 122/259 (47.1%) physicians completed the survey. Although 62.2% of the physicians completed some form of training about medical cannabis, nearly all (95.8%) desired to know more about the dosing, side effects, and safety of cannabis. Physicians identified a potential role of cannabis in the management of nausea and vomiting (85.7%), chronic pain (72.3%), cachexia/poor appetite (67.2%), and anxiety or depression (42.9%). Only four (0.3%) physicians recognized cannabis to be potentially useful as an anticancer agent. Nearly all physicians reported that cannabis-related research for symptom relief is essential (91.5%) in pediatric oncology, whereas 51.7% expressed that future studies are necessary to determine the anticancer effects of cannabis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that most pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians recognize a potential role for cannabis in symptom control in children with cancer. Well-conducted studies are required to create evidence for cannabis use and promote shared decision making with pediatric oncology patients and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Oberoi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Department of Pediatric Hematology‐OncologyCancerCare ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Jennifer L. P. Protudjer
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare InnovationWinnipegCanada
- Department Foods and Human Nutritional SciencesUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Adam Rapoport
- Paediatric Advanced Care TeamHospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoOntarioCanada
- Emily's House Children's HospiceTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of PaediatricsFaculty of Medicine, University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Family & Community MedicineFaculty of Medicine, University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Shahrad R. Rassekh
- Division of Oncology/Hematology/BMT, Department of PediatricsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Bruce Crooks
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology & Medical EducationIWK Health CentreHalifaxCanada
| | - Harold Siden
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Kathleen Decker
- Department of Community Health SciencesUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Prasanna Ananth
- Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of PediatricsYale School of Medicine
| | - Stacy Chapman
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Department of Pediatric Hematology‐OncologyCancerCare ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | | | - Magimairajan Issai Vanan
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Department of Pediatric Hematology‐OncologyCancerCare ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Lauren E. Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
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Fuller C, Huang H, Thienprayoon R. Managing Pain and Discomfort in Children with Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:961-973. [PMID: 35353347 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01277-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Approximately 15,600 children are diagnosed with cancer annually. Many of these children have cancer-related pain that improves with cancer treatment, but some develop intractable pain from cancer progression or sequelae from treatment modalities. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical evaluation of the literature relevant to pain management in children with cancer. We intend to emphasize important and up-to-date findings in pharmacology, interventional pain management, and complementary and alternative medicine. RECENT FINDINGS Alternative medications and routes of administration, complementary and alternative medicine techniques, and interventional pain procedures offer possible routes for a multi-pronged pediatric cancer pain management plan, although high-level data is often lacking. To improve pediatric cancer pain management, a multifaceted approach embracing the biopsychosocial model of pain is recommended, incorporating evidence-based pharmacology, complementary and alternative medicine techniques, and if needed, interventional pain procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton Fuller
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 6621 Fannin St, Ste A3300, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Henry Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 6621 Fannin St, Ste A3300, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rachel Thienprayoon
- Departments of Pediatrics and Anesthesia, Division of Palliative Care, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Treves N, Mor N, Allegaert K, Bassalov H, Berkovitch M, Stolar OE, Matok I. Efficacy and safety of medical cannabinoids in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23462. [PMID: 34873203 PMCID: PMC8648720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02770-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the increased use of medical cannabinoids, the efficacy and safety of the treatment among children remain uncertain. The objective was to study the efficacy and safety of medical cannabinoids in children. The search included studies through 11-May-2020. Selection criteria included studies evaluating efficacy and safety outcomes of medical cannabinoids (tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and other cannabis derivatives) versus control in children, independently assessed by two reviewers. Eight studies were included, all of which are randomized controlled trials. Cannabidiol is associated with 50% reduction in seizures rate (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.69, 95% CI [1.20-2.36]) and caregiver global impression of change (Median Estimated difference = (- 1), 95%CI [- 1.39-(- 0.60)]) in Dravet syndrome, compared to placebo. While cannabidiol was associated with a reduction in reported seizure events (RR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.36-0.97]), no association was found in products contained also tetrahydrocannabinol (RR = 1.35, 95% CI [0.46-4.03]). Higher dose of cannabidiol was associated with decreased appetite (RR = 2.40, 95% CI [1.39-4.15]). A qualitative assessment suggests that medical cannabinoids might be associated with adverse mental events. In conclusion, cannabidiol is associated with clinical improvement in Dravet syndrome. However, cannabidiol is also associated with decreased appetite. Adverse mental events were reported as well, however, more research should be performed to assess well this outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Treves
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Noa Mor
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Matitiahu Berkovitch
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh), Zerifin, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Orit E Stolar
- The Autism Center, Alut, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh), Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ilan Matok
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy and the David R. Bloom Center of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Assessment of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiol in Mouse Models of Medulloblastoma and Ependymoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020330. [PMID: 33477420 PMCID: PMC7829707 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Phytocannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have been demonstrated to exhibit anti-cancer activity in preclinical models of brain cancer leading to new clinical trials for adults with glioblastoma. We describe here the first report that has investigated a role for THC and CBD in pediatric brain cancer. Cannabinoids had cytotoxic activity against medulloblastoma and ependymoma cells in vitro, functioning in part through the inhibition of cell cycle progression and the induction of autophagy. Despite these effects in vitro, when tested in orthotopic mouse models of medulloblastoma or ependymoma, no impact on animal survival was observed. Furthermore, cannabinoids neither enhanced nor impaired conventional chemotherapy in a medulloblastoma mouse model. These data show that while THC and CBD do have some effects on medulloblastoma and ependymoma cells, are well tolerated, and have minimal adverse effects, they do not appear to elicit any survival benefit in preclinical models of pediatric brain cancer. Abstract Children with medulloblastoma and ependymoma are treated with a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy; however, overall survival rates for patients with high-risk disease remain unsatisfactory. Data indicate that plant-derived cannabinoids are effective against adult glioblastoma; however, preclinical evidence supporting their use in pediatric brain cancers is lacking. Here we investigated the potential role for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in medulloblastoma and ependymoma. Dose-dependent cytotoxicity of medulloblastoma and ependymoma cells was induced by THC and CBD in vitro, and a synergistic reduction in viability was observed when both drugs were combined. Mechanistically, cannabinoids induced cell cycle arrest, in part by the production of reactive oxygen species, autophagy, and apoptosis; however, this did not translate to increased survival in orthotopic transplant models despite being well tolerated. We also tested the combination of cannabinoids with the medulloblastoma drug cyclophosphamide, and despite some in vitro synergism, no survival advantage was observed in vivo. Consequently, clinical benefit from the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of high-grade medulloblastoma and ependymoma is expected to be limited. This study emphasizes the importance of preclinical models in validating therapeutic agent efficacy prior to clinical trials, ensuring that enrolled patients are afforded the most promising therapies available.
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The Role of Cannabinoids as Anticancer Agents in Pediatric Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13010157. [PMID: 33466435 PMCID: PMC7796497 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex signaling pathway system involved in the regulation of multiple functions in both normal tissues and cancer. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are plant-derived cannabinoids that possess some efficacy against adult cancer, in part via modulation of the ECS, and may be less toxic agents compared to other treatments used in oncology. To date, there are minimal studies that have investigated these drugs in the pediatric cancer setting. Indeed, there are currently no preclinical or clinical studies examining the effects of cannabinoids in pediatric brain cancer, although there is some evidence that they can alleviate symptoms associated with childhood cancer therapy, such as vomiting and nausea. Given there is accumulating evidence that cannabis use during adolescence is associated with poor mental and cognitive health, there is a present and urgent need to investigate the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids in pediatric oncology to provide guidance to families and physicians. Abstract Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals that bind to receptors in the human body and, in turn, modulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS). They can be endogenously produced, synthetic, or derived from the plant Cannabis sativa L. Research over the past several decades has shown that the ECS is a cellular communication network essential to maintain multiple biological functions and the homeostasis of the body. Indeed, cannabinoids have been shown to influence a wide variety of biological effects, including memory, pain, reproduction, bone remodeling or immunity, to name a few. Unsurprisingly, given these broad physiological effects, alterations of the ECS have been found in different diseases, including cancer. In recent years, the medical use of cannabis has been approved in different countries for a variety of human conditions. However, the use of these compounds, specifically as anticancer agents, remains controversial. Studies have shown that cannabinoids do have anticancer activity in different tumor types such as breast cancer, melanoma, lymphoma and adult brain cancer. Specifically, phytocannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of adult cancer cells, as well as modulate angiogenesis and metastasis. Despite increasing evidence that cannabinoids elicit antitumor effects in adult cancers, there is minimal data available on their effects in children or in pediatric cancers despite public and clinical demand for information. Here we describe a comprehensive and critical review of what is known about the effects of cannabinoids on pediatric cancers, highlight current gaps in knowledge and identify the critical issues that need addressing before considering these promising but controversial drugs for use in pediatric oncology.
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Yeung M, Wroot H, Charnock C, Forbes C, Lafay-Cousin L, Schulte F. Cannabis use in pediatric cancer patients: what are they reading? A review of the online literature. Support Care Cancer 2020; 28:3503-3515. [PMID: 31960125 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05306-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent changes to the legal status of marijuana in Canada warrant a review of the information that patients and families are accessing online regarding the role of cannabis in cancer. The aims of the current research were to identify the quality of literature available online as well as the themes, and opinion (i.e., pro-, neutral, or anti-cannabis) of online articles. METHODS Searches were conducted using three primary search engines: Google, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo. Articles were assessed for quality based on a modified scale for evaluating online sources. Content of all unique articles was coded using a qualitative thematic methodology in a line-by-line fashion. Codes were clustered to determine themes within articles. Finally, opinions were determined by examining all articles in a line-by-line fashion. Each statement was coded as either pro-cannabis (positive) or anti-cannabis (negative). RESULTS We found most articles were authored by journalists (39.4%) and MDs (14.1%) and published as news (35.2%) or web articles (28.2%). The content of articles focused on four themes: the reasons for and against cannabis use; the opinions of health care providers; the restrictions placed by governing bodies and the need for additional research, education, and standardization. Article opinions were neutral-pro-cannabis. CONCLUSIONS Health care providers should be aware that the overall quality of information found online is considered "satisfactory." The majority of articles present a pro-cannabis opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Yeung
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - H Wroot
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - C Charnock
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - C Forbes
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - L Lafay-Cousin
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, Psychologist, Hematology, Oncology and Transplant Program, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Fiona Schulte
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, Psychologist, Hematology, Oncology and Transplant Program, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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