Study register · detailRetrospektive Beobachtungsstudie · Palliative Care · 2015
Patterns of Use of Medical Cannabis Among Israeli Cancer Patients: A Single Institution Experience
Waissengrin et al.·Journal of Pain and Symptom ManagementImpact 0.8
MixedGRADELow81 citations
Samplen = 279 Pat.
DurationAt least 6 months follow-up
EndpointPatient-reported symptom…
Blindingn.a.
DesignRetrospektive Beobachtungsstudie
Cannabinoidvollspektrum
”Key finding
Patients reported improvements in pain (70%), general condition (70%), appetite (60%) and nausea (50%), but only 46% of patients still alive after 6 months renewed their permit; side effects were mild (fatigue, dizziness).
Summary
Retrospective study on medical cannabis in n=279 Israeli cancer patients (84% metastatic); of n=113 users after 1 month, 70% reported improvement in pain, 70% in general wellbeing, 60% in appetite, 50% in nausea. Side effects mild (fatigue, dizziness). Of n=151 patients alive after 6 months, 46% renewed the cannabis permit.
P
PopulationAdult Israeli cancer patients (predominantly metastatic), n=279, medical cannabis with official authorization
I
InterventionMedical cannabis (indications: pain, nausea, loss of appetite, among others), route of administration and dose not specified
O
Outcome70% reported improvement in pain and general wellbeing, 60% in appetite, 50% in nausea; side effects mild (fatigue, dizziness)
Confidence in the evidence
Very lowLowModerateHigh
Low
The second of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is of limited reliability.
Context: The use of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.) for the palliative treatment of cancer patients has been legalized in multiple jurisdictions including Israel. Yet, not much is currently known regarding the efficacy and patterns of use of cannabis in this setting.
Objectives: To analyze the indications for the administration of cannabis among adult Israeli cancer patients and evaluate its efficacy.
Methods: Efficacy and patterns of use of cannabis were evaluated using physician-completed application forms, medical files, and a detailed questionnaire in adult cancer patients treated at a single institution.
Results: Of approximately 17,000 cancer patients seen, 279 (<1.7%) received a permit for cannabis from an authorized institutional oncologist. The median age of cannabis users was 60 years (range 19-93 years), 160 (57%) were female, and 234 (84%) had metastatic disease. Of 151 (54%) patients alive at six months, 70 (46%) renewed their cannabis permit. Renewal was more common among younger patients and those with metastatic disease. Of 113 patients alive and using cannabis at one month, 69 (61%) responded to the detailed questionnaire. Improvement in pain, general well-being, appetite, and nausea were reported by 70%, 70%, 60%, and 50%, respectively. Side effects were mild and consisted mostly of fatigue and dizziness.
Conclusion: Cannabis use is perceived as highly effective by some patients with advanced cancer and its administration can be regulated, even by local authorities. Additional studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of cannabis as part of the palliative treatment of cancer patients.