Most Pediatric Oncologists See a Role for Cannabis in Children's Cancer Symptom Management | Research

The takeaway

In a survey of 122 Canadian pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians, the vast majority recognized cannabis as potentially useful for nausea (86%), chronic pain (72%), and appetite (67%), but nearly all wanted more dosing and safety data.

Pediatric oncologists; palliative care physicians; parents of children with cancer exploring symptom management options.

95.8% of pediatric oncologists wanted more cannabis dosing and safety data

What the researchers found

85.7% of physicians saw potential for cannabis in nausea/vomiting management, 72.3% for chronic pain, 67.2% for appetite, and 42.9% for anxiety/depression. Only 0.3% recognized anticancer potential. 95.8% wanted more information on dosing, side effects, and safety.

Why it matters

Children with cancer are increasingly exposed to cannabis, but physician guidance has been limited by lack of evidence. Understanding what doctors think about cannabis helps identify research priorities and potential barriers to evidence-based use.

The numbers in context

122/259 (47.1%) response rate. 62.2% had some cannabis training. 95.8% wanted more dosing/safety information. Support by indication: nausea/vomiting 85.7%, chronic pain 72.3%, cachexia/appetite 67.2%, anxiety/depression 42.9%, anticancer 0.3%. 91.5% said symptom-relief research is essential. 51.7% supported anticancer research.

How the study worked

Cross-sectional online survey of all pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians in Canada (June-August 2020). 122 of 259 (47.1%) completed the survey. Assessed education, knowledge, concerns, views on effectiveness, and research priorities.

What this study cannot tell us

Response rate of 47.1% means non-responders may hold different views. Self-reported attitudes may not match clinical practice. The survey captured opinions, not clinical outcomes. Limited to the Canadian healthcare context.

How to read the evidence

Moderate: national survey with reasonable response rate, though captures physician opinions rather than clinical outcomes.

When this study was published

Published in 2022.

The bigger picture

The near-unanimous call for more research (91.5%) alongside recognition of potential benefits reflects a profession caught between growing patient demand and insufficient evidence. This survey maps the knowledge gap that needs to be filled.

Questions still open

What dosing and formulations would be appropriate for pediatric cancer symptom management? Are pediatric oncologists currently recommending or prescribing cannabis despite the evidence gap? How do parental attitudes influence cannabis use in pediatric cancer?

Common questions

Do pediatric oncologists recommend cannabis for children with cancer?

Most recognize its potential for symptom management (particularly nausea and pain), but nearly all expressed a desire for more evidence before making confident recommendations. The gap between perceived potential and available data is wide.

Is cannabis safe for children with cancer?

This study surveyed physician opinions, not safety outcomes. The physicians themselves said more research on dosing, side effects, and safety in children is their top priority.

Read the original research

Perspectives of pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians on the therapeutic use of cannabis in children with cancer.

Cancer reports (Hoboken, N.J.), 5(9), e1551

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Oberoi, Sapna; Protudjer, Jennifer L P; Rapoport, Adam; Rassekh, Shahrad R; Crooks, Bruce; Siden, Harold; Decker, Kathleen; Ananth, Prasanna; Chapman, Stacy; Balneaves, Lynda G; Vanan, Magimairajan Issai; Kelly, Lauren E. (2022). Perspectives of pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians on the therapeutic use of cannabis in children with cancer.. Cancer reports (Hoboken, N.J.), 5(9), e1551. https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.1551