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Cannabis And Immunotherapy For Cancer: Are They Compatible?

Cannabis

February 9, 2023Health, News

Cannabis And Immunotherapy as well as immunotherapy have become popular in the field of oncology in recent times – one for treating ailments and the second as an alternative to chemotherapy that is more gentle However, there’s been some concerns that for cancer patients who are using both therapies, one may interfere with the latter. A new study published that appeared in European Journal of Cancer, however, suggests that there might be nothing to worry about.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy which has transformed with improved targeted treatment and less severe adverse effects – the treatment of a variety of cancers, including lung cancer that is non-small cell (NSCLC). The immune checkpoint inhibitors commonly used as the first line treatment for NSCLC, whether alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy.

Cannabis has also been increasingly popular by cancer patients in the last decade, in line with the increasing acceptance by society and increasing medical usage. In addition to the preclinical research and anecdotal evidence that cannabinoids could have anti-cancer benefits Cannabis is also recognized for its ability to alleviate many of the aspects and adverse effects of treatment for cancer like nausea, pain, and an inability to control appetite.

CANNABIS RED FLAGS FROM EARLIER STUDIES

The concern about the incompatibility between the two treatments are based on knowing that the receptor for cannabinoid CB2 is the most frequently expressed receptor by immune cells and activation of it can inhibit the immune system. Immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors rely on an effective response to complete their job. It’s possible therefore, that cannabis could affect immunotherapy. Instead of helping, it might even harm.

Actually, that’s what two previous studies by the Israeli group of researchers between the years 2019 and 2020 have concluded – however the authors of this new study, which is also from Israel assert immediately that the earlier research comes with a few significant warnings. “These studies included patients with various cancers, treatment regimens, and lines of therapy and were given [immune checkpoint inhibitors] at advanced line shortly before death,” the authors note. “Under these circumstances, the use of cannabis is often a mere surrogate for high-burden symptomatic disease.”

It’s not surprising to find two research teams from Israel dealing with the same problem. Israel is not only leading the world in cannabis research and research, but it is also the most frequently prescribed drug for patients with cancer across the nation and is used by more than 10,000 people according to researchers of the new study observe.

CANNABIS THC FOR TUMORS?

To investigate further the issue of whether cannabis may hinder the effectiveness for immune checkpoint antagonists. They integrated two tests into their new research. A retrospective observational study on humans NSCLC patients. As well as an experiment conducted in the lab with mice as a model for colorectal cancer.

“With the increasing use of medical cannabis worldwide, this finding is of major clinical importance.”

The study of humans by itself is significant. Although a wealth of preclinical evidence is available to prove the anti-cancer properties of cannabinoids, clinical trials examining the connection between cannabis and cancer-related outcomes with actual patients are a rarity. The most trustworthy, effective type of clinical trial is planned beforehand, randomized and controlled. However, this retrospective, observational study (where the relationships between variables were analyzed in the aftermath of the event using thorough medical notes) is an initial step in the right direction.

Recognizing the study’s limitations is crucial, however the end result is evident. For 201 lung cancer patients who were treated at Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, receiving the immuno checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab for first-line treatment. Rates of progression of the tumor over the course of follow-up with clinical care were similar for patients. Who were prescribed medical cannabis in the initial month following treatment (n=102) as well as patients. Who were not given cannabis (n=99). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in overall survival were noted between the two types of patients.

In the animal part of the study, researchers treated 30 tumor-bearing mice using one of the following

  • An extract of cannabis with high levels of THC (at 2 different levels)
  •  An inhibitor of the immune system drug
  • The combination of cannabis and immunotherapy (again with 2 different levels)
  • The inactive vehicle used as a control, with seven to nine people from each study group.

Cannabis And Immunotherapy A SIGH OF RELIEF

The tumor volume and survival rate were measured by the mice during the following months and weeks. Again, the findings of the researchers are not ambiguous. And, more importantly, they are in line with the results of the study on humans. Cannabis treatment didn’t alter the effectiveness (for better or less) of the treatment. Furthermore, mice treated with cannabis performed marginally better than mice from the control group. In terms of the rate of tumor growth and survival rate.

“Our data suggest that the use of cannabis concomitantly with [immune checkpoint inhibitors] does not reduce treatment efficacy in NSCLC,” the authors conclude. “With the increasing use of medical cannabis worldwide, this finding is of major clinical importance.”

The next phase of research (ideally with the help of randomized. At the very least, prospective, clinical trials to provide the most reliable evidence) may test the efficacy. The findings for other types of cancer treatments, combinations of treatment, as well as cannabis extracts. For now, at the very minimum they could provide. As the paper’s title suggests, The possibility of a “sigh of relief” to people. Who are concerned about the role of cannabis in immunotherapy for cancer.

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