Use of Cannabinoids in Cancer Patients

Publication Date: May 1, 2020

Objective

Objective

This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) for use of cannabinoids (marijuana) in cancer patients.

Overview

Overview

  • For centuries cannabis has been used as a medicine. Its varied legal status has only recently opened the door to considering its use in adults for pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting, insomnia, weight loss, seizures, psychologic disorders and other conditions.
  • In addition to its changing legal status, cannabis has other problems associated with herbal remedies:
    • Cannabis has well-known abuse potential.
    • There are many chemicals derived from the cannabis plant.
    • The effects of each chemical are different; many are only rumored or observed only in laboratory animal studies.
    • The quantities of each chemical differ greatly in each preparation.
    • Proper pharmacologic (drug-related) research is limited.
  • This patient summary focuses on treating cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and pain due to nerve damage from chemotherapy.

Treatment

Treatment

  • Because solid knowledge of cannabis use in cancer patients is rare, care and close counseling with your doctors is the best approach to discovering if cannabis preparations will benefit you.

Abbreviations

  • SGO: Society Of Gynecologic Oncology

Source Citation

Whitcomb B, Lutman C, Pearl M, Medlin E, Prendergast E, Robison K, Burke W. Use of cannabinoids in cancer patients: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) clinical practice statement. Gynecol Oncol. 2020 May;157(2):307-311. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.12.013. Epub 2020 Jan 10. PMID: 31932107.

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.