Study register · detail
Clear benefit
GRADE
Low
34 citations
Samplen = 232 Pat.
ControlNo MMJ use despite certification
EndpointESAS
Blindingn.a.
DesignRetrospektive Kohortenstudie
Cannabinoidvollspektrum
Key finding
MMJ use improved symptom scores and stabilized opioid consumption, while non-users showed a significant increase in opioid consumption.
Summary
n=232 oncological patients (95 MMJ−, 137 MMJ+); MMJ(+) stabilized opioid consumption (45→45 mg/day MME, p=0,522) while MMJ(−) increased by 23% (97,5→120 mg/day MME, p=0,004); only MMJ(+) significantly improved emotional ESAS score; MMJ recommended as adjuvant palliative therapy for cancer-related pain.
P
PopulationOncological palliative care patients with MMJ certification, n=232 (MMJ(+) n=137, MMJ(-) n=95)
I
InterventionMedical cannabis (MMJ), use following certification, dose/application not specified
C
ControlNo MMJ use despite certification (MMJ(-))
O
OutcomeESAS scores (pain, physical, emotional, total) significantly improved in MMJ(+); opioid consumption in MMJ(+) constant (45–45 mg/day MME, p=0,522) vs. increase of 23% in MMJ(-) (97,5–120 mg/day MME, p=0,004)
Confidence in the evidence
Low
The second of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is of limited reliability.
Quality profile
Sample size
★★★★★
Blinding
—
Effect size
Clear benefit
Citations / year
★★★★★
Authors
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Abstract
<b><i>Background:</i></b> The opioid epidemic has spurred investigations for nonopioid options, yet limited research persists on medical Cannabis's (MMJ) efficacy in managing cancer-related symptoms. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We sought to characterize MMJ's role on symptomatic relief and opioid consumption in the oncologic population. <b><i>Design:</i></b> Retrospective chart review of MMJ-certified oncology patients was performed. Divided patients into MMJ use [MMJ(+)] versus no use [MMJ(-)], and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS)-reported pain cohorts: "mild-moderate" versus "severe." <b><i>Measurements:</i></b> Medical records were reviewed for ESAS, to measure physical and emotional symptoms, and opiate consumption, converted into morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Minimal clinically important differences were determined. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests determined statistical significance between MMJ-certification and most recent palliative care visit. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Identified 232 patients [95/232 MMJ(-); 137/232 MMJ(+)]. Pain, physical and total ESAS significantly improved for total MMJ(-) and MMJ(+); however, only MMJ(+) significantly improved emotional ESAS. MMJ(-) opioid consumption increased by 23% (97.5-120 mg/day MME, <i>p</i> = 0.004), while it remained constant (45-45 mg/day MME, <i>p</i> = 0.522) in MMJ(+). Physical and total ESAS improved in mild-moderate-MMJ(-) and MMJ(+). Pain and emotional symptoms worsened in MMJ(-); while MMJ(+)'s pain remained unchanged and emotional symptoms improved. MMJ(-) opioid consumption increased by 29% (90-126 mg/day MME, <i>p</i> = 0.012); while MMJ(+)'s decreased by 33% (45-30 mg/day MME, <i>p</i> = 0.935). Pain, physical, emotional, and total ESAS scores improved in severe-MMJ(-) and MMJ(+); opioid consumption reduced by 22% in MMJ(-) (135-106 mg/day MME, <i>p</i> = 0.124) and 33% in MMJ(+) (90-60 mg/day MME, <i>p</i> = 0.421). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> MMJ(+) improved oncology patients' ESAS scores despite opioid dose reductions and should be considered a viable adjuvant therapy for palliative management.
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