Cannabis and cancer: Examining the use and perceived benefits in an Irish cancer cohort.

Abstract

e24178 Background: Medicinal cannabis is currently approved for symptom control in cancer patients. There is limited evidence to suggest cannabis is efficacious in the treatment of cancer. In this study we aim to characterise the extent of cannabis use in patients receiving anti-cancer therapies and what impact they think cannabis use has on their cancer. Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed to patients with cancer attending the Beaumont Hospital Oncology Day Unit for anti-cancer therapy over a period of 4 weeks. Results: 175 patients completed the survey. 166 (95%) of patients said they would be comfortable talking to their oncologist about cannabis use. 161 (92%) felt their oncologist should prescribe cannabis as part of their cancer treatment. 17% thought cannabis would cure their cancer. 38% thought cannabis would slow the growth of their cancer and 33% thought cannabis would treat cancer related symptoms. 42 (24%) of all patients had tried some form of cannabis at least once in their life. 26 (15%) were actively taking CBD (Cannabidiol) oil as part of their treatment independently of any healthcare professional guidance. More females (15) were taking CBD compared to males (11). A higher proportion of patients < 50 years (14) were taking CBD during their treatment. 30% of patients using CBD had breast cancer and 23% had a primary CNS malignancy. Of the patients taking CBD, 20 (77%) patients felt it would cure or slow cancer growth and 10 (38%) patients believed it would help with cancer related symptoms. Conclusions: Patients with cancer appear to have a positive attitude towards cannabis as part of their treatment despite limited evidence to support this. With the increasing availability of cannabis-based products globally, medical oncologists must now take into consideration patient’s attitude towards cannabis while treating their cancer. [Table: see text]