Expert cancer group found insufficient evidence to recommend cannabinoids for nausea, appetite, or taste problems in cancer patients
A systematic review of 36 RCTs found THC and nabilone were better than placebo for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting but not superior to other antiemetics, leading MASCC to find insufficient evidence to recommend cannabinoids for GI symptoms in cancer.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Of 36 RCTs, 11 showed cannabis improved CINV vs. placebo, but of 21 trials comparing cannabis to other antiemetics, only 11 favored cannabis. One THC:CBD study reduced nausea as add-on therapy without olanzapine. MASCC found insufficient evidence to recommend cannabinoids for CINV, advanced cancer nausea, cachexia, or taste disturbance.
Key Numbers
RCTs identified: 36 (31 CINV, 1 radiation-induced nausea, 4 cachexia/taste). Cannabis vs. placebo for CINV: 11/31 positive. Cannabis vs. other antiemetics: 11/21 positive. Many studies poor quality.
How They Did This
Systematic review searching Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, and Cochrane through November 2021. Included RCTs of cannabinoids vs. placebo or active comparator in adult cancer patients. Studies scored on the Jadad scale. Expert panel developed consensus guidance.
Why This Research Matters
Despite widespread patient interest in cannabis for cancer symptoms, this expert review found the evidence base does not support routine use, highlighting the gap between patient expectations and scientific evidence.
The Bigger Picture
The MASCC guideline represents an important reality check for cancer patients and oncologists navigating the gap between preclinical promise and clinical evidence for cannabinoids in cancer care.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Many included studies were old and used older antiemetic comparators. Heterogeneous populations and cannabinoid formulations. Many studies had poor methodological quality (randomization, blinding, allocation).
Questions This Raises
- ?Would modern cannabinoid formulations perform better alongside current antiemetic regimens?
- ?Is there a subset of cancer patients who benefit more from cannabinoids?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Insufficient evidence to recommend cannabinoids for cancer-related GI symptoms
- Evidence Grade:
- Comprehensive systematic review with expert consensus, limited by the quality of available primary studies.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022 with searches through November 2021.
- Original Title:
- Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) expert opinion/consensus guidance on the use of cannabinoids for gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with cancer.
- Published In:
- Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 31(1), 39 (2022)
- Authors:
- Alderman, Bryony(2), Hui, David(3), Mukhopadhyay, Sandip(2), Bouleuc, Carole, Case, Amy A, Amano, Koji, Crawford, Gregory B, de Feo, Giulia, Sbrana, Andrea, Tanco, Kimberson, To, Josephine, Garsed, Jessica, Davis, Mellar
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03662
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Should cancer patients use cannabis for nausea?
MASCC found insufficient evidence to recommend it. While cannabinoids are better than placebo for chemotherapy nausea, they are not clearly superior to existing antiemetic medications.
Does cannabis help with cancer-related appetite loss?
The evidence is insufficient. Of the few trials examining cachexia and appetite, the results did not support a recommendation for cannabinoid use.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03662APA
Alderman, Bryony; Hui, David; Mukhopadhyay, Sandip; Bouleuc, Carole; Case, Amy A; Amano, Koji; Crawford, Gregory B; de Feo, Giulia; Sbrana, Andrea; Tanco, Kimberson; To, Josephine; Garsed, Jessica; Davis, Mellar. (2022). Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) expert opinion/consensus guidance on the use of cannabinoids for gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with cancer.. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 31(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07480-x
MLA
Alderman, Bryony, et al. "Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) expert opinion/consensus guidance on the use of cannabinoids for gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with cancer.." Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07480-x
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASC..." RTHC-03662. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/alderman-2022-multinational-association-of-supportive
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.