Medical Cannabis use for pediatric oncology patients: single institution experience.

Ofir et al. ·Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Mixed GRADE Very low 25 citations

Samplen = 50 Pat.

Duration2010–2017

EndpointPatient-reported symptom…

Blindingn.a.

DesignRetrospektive Fallserie

Cannabinoidvollspektrum

Key finding

Positive effects were reported in 80% of cases, but with isolated side effects, particularly among smokers.

Summary

Retrospective case series (n=50 children/adolescents with cancer, 2010–2017) on medical cannabis as supportive therapy; main indication nausea/vomiting; positive effect in 80% of cases (parent-/patient-reported); well tolerated, rarely toxicity (most common adverse effects: throat burning, anxiety attacks in smokers).

PopulationChildren, adolescents and young adults with various cancers, n=50, pediatric oncology (2010–2017)

InterventionMedical cannabis (oil drops 60%, smoking 22%, vaporization, capsules or combinations) for symptom control during anticancer therapy

OutcomePositive effects reported in 80% of cases (by patients/parents); most common side effects: throat irritation and anxiety attacks with smoking

Confidence in the evidence

Very low

The lowest GRADE level, the effect estimate remains uncertain.

Downgraded for

Imprecision

Quality profile

Sample size ★★★★★

Blinding —

Effect size Mixed

Citations / year ★★★★★

Authors

Ofir R, Bar-Sela G, Weyl Ben-Arush M, Postovsky S.

DOI 10.1080/08880018.2019.1630537↗

Design: Retrospektive Fallserie

Abstract

Medical Cannabis (MM) is widespread in many medical fields, including oncology, with limited use in pediatric oncology where research is scarce and often shows conflicting results. This research focuses on alleviating side effects of anticancer treatment as an integral part of supportive and palliative care of children with cancer. We report our experience with MM treatment in 50 children, adolescents, and young adults with different types of cancer during 2010-2017. The main indications for prescriptions were nausea and vomiting, decreased mood, disturbed sleep, and pain. The medication was supplied to 30 patients via oil drops (60%) and 11 via smoking (22%), followed by vaporization, capsules, or combinations of various routes. Positive effects were reported by verbal children and parents in 80% of cases. MM was generally well tolerated with few patients reporting toxicity, with the most common adverse reactions being burning in the throat and anxiety attacks in subjects who chose to smoke the product. We conclude that MM may serve as a potentially useful complementary therapy to conventional supportive treatment of children suffering from cancer at the end of life. Further research is needed on the safety and efficacy and the consequences of prolonged use in pediatric populations.

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius