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Vol 15, No 2 (2021)
Review paper
Published online: 2021-06-30
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The role of cannabinoids in the management of symptoms in palliative care patients

Michał Graczyk1, Wojciech Leppert2
DOI: 10.5603/PMPI.2021.0016
·
Palliat Med Pract 2021;15(2):182-191.
Affiliations
  1. Katedra Opieki Paliatywnej, Collegium Medicum UMK, ul. Jagiellońska 13-15, 85-067 Bydgoszcz, Poland
  2. Pracownia Badania Jakości Życia Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu, Collegium Maius ul. Fredry 10, 61-701 Poznań, Poland

open access

Vol 15, No 2 (2021)
Review paper
Published online: 2021-06-30

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates body’s homeostasis and performs vital physiological functions. The thorough understanding of the role of endocannabinoids and the composition of cannabis containing phytocannabinoids and terpenoids play an important role in symptom management. Clinical effects of medical cannabis depend among others on the activity of the ECS in a given patient, the proportion of phytocannabinoids, and the doses used. Cannabinoids are used to treat symptoms in patients with cancer and chronic non-malignant diseases. Cannabinoids are usually not drugs of first choice and can be added to basic pharmacotherapy, which often improves the effectiveness of symptom treatment. Due to limited scientific evidence, experimental studies on the role of the ECS and clinical trials on the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of symptoms are recommended. In this article the role of the ECS and the use of cannabinoids in palliative care patients has been discussed.

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates body’s homeostasis and performs vital physiological functions. The thorough understanding of the role of endocannabinoids and the composition of cannabis containing phytocannabinoids and terpenoids play an important role in symptom management. Clinical effects of medical cannabis depend among others on the activity of the ECS in a given patient, the proportion of phytocannabinoids, and the doses used. Cannabinoids are used to treat symptoms in patients with cancer and chronic non-malignant diseases. Cannabinoids are usually not drugs of first choice and can be added to basic pharmacotherapy, which often improves the effectiveness of symptom treatment. Due to limited scientific evidence, experimental studies on the role of the ECS and clinical trials on the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of symptoms are recommended. In this article the role of the ECS and the use of cannabinoids in palliative care patients has been discussed.

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Keywords

cannabinoids, palliative care, symptom management

About this article
Title

The role of cannabinoids in the management of symptoms in palliative care patients

Journal

Palliative Medicine in Practice

Issue

Vol 15, No 2 (2021)

Article type

Review paper

Pages

182-191

Published online

2021-06-30

Page views

724

Article views/downloads

914

DOI

10.5603/PMPI.2021.0016

Bibliographic record

Palliat Med Pract 2021;15(2):182-191.

Keywords

cannabinoids
palliative care
symptom management

Authors

Michał Graczyk
Wojciech Leppert

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