Abstract
The general use of “medical cannabis” and “cannabis-based drugs” in the treatment of cancer patients cannot be recommended due to the currently, still insufficient amount of data available. However, taking into account the legal framework, it is possible to consider its use in selected cases. Patients must be informed in detail about treatment goals, relevant side effects to be expected, and the character of a “therapy attempt”. Further the effectiveness and safety of the treatment should be critically re-evaluated after a few weeks and, if necessary, be terminated in the event of insufficient clinical improvement or if intolerable side effects occur. Smoking cannabis should be avoided and oral or oromucosal preparations should be used. Due to the narrow therapeutic range, the lowest possible starting dose is recommended, particularly for older patients, in the case of comorbidities, or in patients taking centrally acting drugs. Little is known about the clinically relevant interaction risks of cannabis. Especially in the context of modern cancer treatment, increased attention is required.
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