Perception and Utilization of Cannabinoids in Patients Undergoing Radiation Treatment: Our Patients are Curious

Abstract

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> There has been growing interest in the use of cannabinoid products as medical treatments, particularly for cancer care. With the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in many states in the United States, patients are increasingly using these substances at their own discretion. Limited studies have described the utilization of cannabinoids among cancer patients. This study aimed to characterize utilization patterns and perceptions of cannabinoid use for treatment-related side effects among patients receiving radiation treatment. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> This was a single-institution study conducted at a comprehensive cancer center in a state with legalized medical and recreational use of cannabinoids. An anonymous survey was administered using a tablet and distributed to patients who were undergoing or recently completed radiation treatment. Patient demographics were recorded, including age, gender, race and ethnicity, marital status, education, household income, and cancer diagnosis. Two surveys were designed, one for those who used or are using cannabinoids during treatment and one for those who were not. The survey also included Likert-scale items regarding perceived effects of cannabinoids. Survey results were calculated using descriptive summary statistics. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 165 respondents, 45 (27.7%) patients reported cannabinoid use since their original cancer diagnosis. Of those who reported use, the majority (66.7%) experienced improvement of symptoms with cannabinoids. Much of this subset (66.7%) had better relief of symptoms from cannabinoid than from prescription medications, and 46.7% lowered the amount of pain medications required after using cannabinoid. More than half of cannabinoid users reported some degree of effectiveness of cannabinoid in managing pain (64.4%), sleep (62.2%), and anxiety/stress (57.8%), with more patients citing benefits while undergoing chemo- or immunotherapy (35.6%) than while undergoing radiation treatment (17.8%). Additionally, 44.4% of patients who reported cannabinoid use wanted more discussions with their doctors regarding their cannabinoid use. For patients who did not report cannabinoid use, a large majority (89.2%) never had discussions with their doctors regarding using cannabinoid as part of their cancer care, and 43.4% would like to learn about cannabinoids from their doctors. <h3>Conclusion</h3> About one in four cancer patients reported cannabinoid use since their cancer diagnosis. A majority had subjective alleviation of symptoms associated with cancer treatments, and some reported improved symptom relief from cannabinoid compared to prescription medications. A large proportion of patients, regardless of their cannabinoid use, were interested in discussing cannabinoid use with their radiation oncologists during their treatment. Guidelines are needed to assist radiation oncologists on how cannabinoid may play a role in their patients' care.