Slideshow: Exploring Cannabis Utilization in the Oncology Landscape

In the US, medical cannabis is legal in over 36 states and the District of Columbia, with 18 states allowing recreational use.¹ This expanding legal landscape coincides with a significant trend: a growing interest by the public in cannabis, particularly among patients with cancer.

Cannabis has many therapeutic benefits, several of which target common side effects of cancer treatment. The plant has been shown to stimulate food intake and mitigate weight loss, relieve chronic pain, and even alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

Four abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2024 annual meeting, held May 31 to June 4 in Chicago, Illinois, explored the utilization of cannabis in the oncology landscape, delving into pain management, potential medication interactions, and symptom mitigation.

Click here for more of our coverage from ASCO 2024.

READ MORE: Cannabidiol (CBD) Resource Center

Don’t get left behind: Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips delivered straight to your inbox.

References

1. Worster B, Hajjar ER, Handley N. Cannabis use in patients with cancer: A clinical review. JCO Oncol Pract. 2022;18(11):743-749. doi:10.1200/OP.22.00080

2. Kim E, Cullen J, Mendiratta P. Prevalence of cannabis related potential medication interactions (PMI) among patients with cancer during treatment. Presented at: ASCO 2024; May 30-June 3; Chicago, Il.

3. Hardy JR, Greer R, Gurgenci T, et al. A randomized, double-blind controlled trial of medicinal cannabis vs placebo for symptom management in patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care. Presented at: ASCO 2024; May 30-June 3; Chicago, Il.

4. Zylla DM, Idossa D, Borrero M, et al. A randomized trial of topical cannabis balms for the treatment of aromatase inhibitor–associated musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS). Presented at: ASCO 2024; May 30-June 3; Chicago, Il.

5. Salz T, Mao JJ, Raghunathan NJ, et al. Patient-reported experiences with cannabidiol (CBD) after cancer diagnosis. Presented at: ASCO 2024; May 30-June 3; Chicago, Il.