Cannabinoid-based therapies in supportive oncology
Growing evidence for a broad role in symptom management

Vincent Maida, BSc, MD, CCFP, ABHPM

Patients suffering from malignant disorders experience multiple symptoms related to disease and side effects from treatments. Even with the use of current first-line agents for symptom management, a large proportion of patients continue to experience less than optimal pain and symptom contol.1-6

 

To view the complete article click here (pdf format)
Back to Top of Page  

 

 
 
 
Top-line summary
The term “cannabinoid” collectively refers to a class of chemical compounds that are ligands of cannabinoid receptors. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the most abundant and clinically relevant cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. Extracts from the cannabis plant have been employed by ancient cultures for a variety of medical maladies, including pain, tremors and spasms. The discovery of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and the characterization of the endogenous cannabinoid system in the past 15 to 20 years have given legitimacy to the use of cannabinoids in a number of medical settings. Agonism of CB1 leads to neuromodulatory effects, while agonism of CB2 leads to immunomodulatory effects. The range of effects in the setting of ubiquitous distribution of the receptors provides opportunity for multiple clinical benefits. This is especially advantageous in the management of malignant disorders where patients suffer from a constellation of disease-related symptoms and side effects from treatments.
 
© Parkhurst Publishing Privacy Statement
Legal Terms of Use
Site created by Spin Design (514) 995-4398