Using cannabis to reduce pain associated with their cancer would be “highly” accepted among patients with multiple myeloma (MM), but more education is needed for oncology providers in discussing its use with these patients, according to results of a survey presented at the 66th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition held in San Diego, CA.1
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and other locations used the HealthTree Cure Hub platform to survey 505 participants who had MM between May 2023 and July 2024. The researchers noted that the average age of the participants was 63 ± 10.5 years and most, 63%, were women.
Approximately 30% of the participants noted having used cannabis prior to their MM diagnosis, with 62% of these being regular users who also used it recreationally. During treatment, 48% continued cannabis use, with half of those reporting regular use.
Patients commonly used products containing THC and CBD (59%) or THC alone (27%). Edibles were the most popular form (75%), followed by smoking/vaping (37%), tinctures/oils (35%), and topicals (33%). Survey participants noted high cost (25%) and concerns about drug interactions (38%) as deterrents to use. For nonusers of cannabis, barriers such as lack of information (23%), unawareness of its potential (24%), or legal/work concerns (19%) were commonly reported.
Pain (71%), sleep (75%), and mental health issues like depression (34%) and anxiety (32%) were the most frequent reasons for use.
The survey participants noted that cannabis helped reduce opioid reliance, with 30% avoiding opioids altogether and 18% lowering their dose. Many reported daily use for pain (27%), and over half found it highly effective. Additionally, 39% noted reduced healthcare utilization and improved physical symptoms (43%), mental health (38%), and quality of life (36%). Common side effects included dry mouth (44%), fogginess (48%), and dizziness (15%).
Only 14% of the surveyed participants noted oncologists recommending cannabis use, often for pain or sleep issues. Oncologists were perceived as having limited ability to address the risks and benefits, and only 14% made referrals to specialists for further guidance.
“Involvement of the oncology provider in recommending, educating, and discussing cannabis was minimal, highlighting the need for improved training and education strategies,” the researchers concluded. “Based on these data, investigation of the potential medical benefits of cannabis in MM is warranted.”
Reference
- Sweiss K, Hydren JR, Hurtado Martinez JA, et al. First ever national survey on patient-reported efficacy and safety of cannabis in patients with multiple myeloma. Presented at: 66th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition. December 7-10, 2024; San Diego, CA. Abstract 5144.