The Use of Cannabis Derived Medical Products in the Treatment of
Children’s Cancer: A Systematic Review
- Nikolai Gajic,
- Cait Murphy,
- Sarah Ritchie,
- Charlie Saunders,
- Dermot Murphy
Sarah Ritchie
University of St Andrews School of Medicine
Author ProfileCharlie Saunders
University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine
Author ProfileDermot Murphy
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde North Glasgow Biochemistry
Author ProfileAbstract
Legislative change to cannabis use has generated significant interest
into the therapeutic utility of cannabis-derived medical products,
particularly in the field of oncology. However, much of this research
has focused on adults, leaving physicians and caregivers uncertain as to
the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids amongst the pediatric
demographic. To this end, the aim of this review is to examine the scope
of pharmaceutical cannabis in treatment of pediatric cancer, evaluating
its utility as an anti-cancer therapeutic as well as symptom relief
agent. This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA
guidelines. 30 included articles comprised of 16 clinical and 14
preclinical studies. There is reasonable evidence to support the use of
cannabis in CINV, with plausible utility for other facets of symptomatic
relief. Preclinical pediatric cancer models, investigating anti-cancer
cannabinoid effect, have provided evidence that may warrant first phase
clinical trials.