Daily Dose Q&A

2024-07-26
What recommendations concerning clinical communication and education about cannabis and cannabinoids have the American Society of Clinical Oncologists and the Society for Integrative Oncology made?
The American Society of Clinical Oncologists and the Society for Integrative Oncology made 3 recommendations concerning clinical communication and education about cannabis and cannabinoids: "Recommendation 1.1: Health systems and clinicians, in partnership, should provide adults with cancer unbiased, evidence- based cannabis and/or cannabinoid educational resources to facilitate clinical communication, informed decision making, and systematized approaches to care. 1.2: Given the high prevalence of cannabis and/or cannabinoid use among adults with cancer, clinicians should routinely and nonjudgmentally inquire about cannabis use (or consideration of use) and either guide care or direct adults with cancer to appropriate resources. and 1.3: When adults with cancer use cannabis and/or cannabinoids outside of evidence-based indications or clinician recommendations, clinicians should explore goals, educate, and seek to minimize harm."
Gowin K, Muminovic M, Zick S, et al. Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: An Update on the Guidelines. ASCO Educational Book (asco.ord/edbook) Vol 44, Iss 3. Mar 31 2024.
2024-07-25
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society for Integrative Oncology, "The evidence for integrative interventions in cancer care is growing, with research now supporting benefits of integrative interventions across the cancer care continuum." Have ASCO and the Society for Integrative Oncology made any statements about the use of cannabinoids for supportive care?
Yes, according to the 'Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: An Update on the Guidelines,' "Cannabis and/or cannabinoids may improve refractory, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and vomiting when added to guideline-concordant antiemetic regimens. Whether cannabis and/or cannabinoids can improve other supportive care outcomes remains uncertain. This guideline also highlights the critical need for more cannabis and/or cannabinoid research."
Gowin K, Muminovic M, Zick S, et al. Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: An Update on the Guidelines. ASCO Educational Book (asco.ord/edbook) Vol 44, Iss 3. Mar 31 2024.
2024-07-24
"The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society for Integrative Oncology have collaborated to develop guidelines for the application of integrative approaches in the management of anxiety, depression, fatigue and use of cannabinoids and cannabis in patients with cancer. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to improve outcomes and quality of life by enhancing conventional cancer treatment with integrative modalities." Were any recommendations concerning the use of cannabis or cannabinoids as a cancer-directed treatment made?
Yes, according to the May 31, 2024 article intitled 'Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: An Update on the Guidelines,' "Clinicians should recommend against using cannabis or cannabinoids as a cancer-directed treatment unless within the context of a clinical trial." Also, "clinicians should recommend against use of cannabis and/or cannabinoids in place of cancer- directed treatment." Other recommendations concerning the use of cannabinoids for cancer patients were made in the guidelines will be discussed in future "Your Dose of Cannabis Education" emails.
Gowin K, Muminovic M, Zick S, et al. Integrative Therapies in Cancer Care: An Update on the Guidelines. ASCO Educational Book (asco.ord/edbook) Vol 44, Iss 3. Mar 31 2024.
2024-07-23
Natural killer cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that are involved in the inflammatory process. They provide rapid responses against virally infected cells and cancer cells. Are these lymphocytes responsive to endocannabinoids?
Yes. "Natural killer cells express both CB-1 and CB-2 receptors and respond to cannabinoids. Also, it has been shown that they can release high levels of the endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG."
Khoury, M.; Cohen, I.; Bar-Sela, G. “The Two Sides of the Same Coin”—Medical Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Immunity: Pros and Cons Explained. Pharmaceutics 2022,14,389. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020389
2024-07-22
CB2 receptors are primarily expressed throughout the immune system, but they are found in several other systems. What activities do CB2 receptors modulate in systems other than the immune system?
"While CB2 receptors are primarily expressed by immune cells in the body, they are also found in other tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, hematopoietic cells, bone, reproductive system, and cardiovascular system. In the brain, CB2 expression is increased in areas associated with neurodegeneration and is thought to be involved in the regulation of neuroinflammation. In the gastrointestinal tract, CB2 activation has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve appetite. In the cardiovascular system, CB2 activation has been linked to improved blood pressure, lipid levels, and glucose metabolism."
Wilson G, Yang L, Su X, Ding S, Li L, Yang Y, Wang X, Wang W, Sa Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Ma X. Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds modulating the endocannabinoid system in various diseases and disorders: review. Pharmacological Reports. 31 Oct 2023