Most Pediatric Oncologists See a Role for Cannabis in Children's Cancer Symptom Management
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 95.8% of pediatric oncologists wanted more cannabis dosing and safety data
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: national survey with reasonable response rate, though captures physician opinions rather than clinical outcomes.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- Perspectives of pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians on the therapeutic use of cannabis in children with cancer.
- Published In:
- Cancer reports (Hoboken, N.J.), 5(9), e1551 (2022)
- Authors:
- Oberoi, Sapna(3), 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
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04112
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked 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.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04112APA
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
MLA
Oberoi, Sapna, et al. "Perspectives of pediatric oncologists and palliative care physicians on the therapeutic use of cannabis in children with cancer.." Cancer reports (Hoboken, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.1551
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Perspectives of pediatric oncologists and palliative care ph..." RTHC-04112. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/oberoi-2022-perspectives-of-pediatric-oncologists
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.