Ioana Creangă-Murariu, Ioana-Irina Rezuș, Roshanak Karami, Anett Rancz, Ádám Zolcsák, Marie Anne Engh, Mahmoud Obeidat, Bogdan-Ionel Tamba, Péter Hegyi, Stefania Bunduc
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose of the review: As cancer survival rates are increasing, alternative treatments to improve quality of life, such as cannabinoids, are gaining attention. Although cannabinoids are widely used to manage cancer-related symptoms, clear guidelines are lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids in the management of symptoms among cancer patients. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023479375). A systematic search was conducted using three main databases (PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL) on 4 November 2023. We included interventional and observational studies that evaluated cannabinoids for symptom management in cancer patients compared to standard care, placebo, or baseline values. Pooled mean differences (MD), proportions and odds ratios (OR), and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with a random-effects model.
Recent findings: Overall, 98 articles were eligible. Cannabinoids reduced pain (MRAW: -1.22, CI: -1.92; -0.52) and anxiety (MRAW: -1.30, CI: -2.22; -0.39) as compared to baseline values. Appetite (MRAW: -1.88, CI: -6.23; 2.46), chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (OR: 2.18, CI: 0.79; 6.00), as well as insomnia (MD: -1.08, CI: -2.48; 0.33) presented with a tendency toward improvement. Cannabinoids do not influence constipation, depression, fatigue, mobility or overall quality of life. In terms of safety issues, THC-predominant formulations increase the risks of psychiatric (OR: 10.62, CI: 1.35; 83.57), neurological (OR:2.24, CI: 1.15; 4.35), and gastrointestinal (OR:2.69, CI:0.73;9.90) side effects. The risk of bias of articles included varied from some concerns to high. Cannabinoids may be beneficial for the treatment of cancer-related pain and anxiety; however, their use carries a significant risk of adverse effects, particularly psychiatric complications. Careful patient selection is essential when considering cannabinoid-based treatments.
期刊介绍:
This journal aims to review the most important, recently published clinical findings in the field of oncology. By providing clear, insightful, balanced contributions by international experts, the journal intends to serve all those involved in the care of those affected by cancer.
We accomplish this aim by appointing international authorities to serve as Section Editors in key subject areas, such as cancer prevention, leukemia, melanoma, neuro-oncology, and palliative medicine. Section Editors, in turn, select topics for which leading experts contribute comprehensive review articles that emphasize new developments and recently published papers of major importance, highlighted by annotated reference lists. An international Editorial Board reviews the annual table of contents, suggests articles of special interest to their country/region, and ensures that topics are current and include emerging research. Commentaries from well-known figures in the field are also provided.