CBD guides: Can CBD help with cancer pain or nausea?

To mark World Cancer Day, we examine if cannabidiol (CBD) could play a role in the alleviation of symptoms from cancer or its treatment.

It is estimated that there are around 375,000 new cases in the UK every year, that’s around 1,000 cases of cancer every day. Some of the most common cancers include breast, lung, bowel and prostate.

There is growing interest in CBD and medical cannabis in the treatment of cancer pain or nausea.

We asked the experts if either could help with keeping symptoms under control.

How can CBD help with cancer pain or nausea?

Speaking with Cannabis Health, Dr Simon Erridge, head of research and access at Sapphire Medical Clinics explained how CBD may help.

“With respect to cannabis-based medicinal products, there is limited evidence of the role of cannabidiol (CBD) in managing nausea related to cancer. However, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has a clear role in the treatment of nausea, specifically chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting,” he said.

Dronabinol, which is THC created synthetically rather than derived directly from plants, is licensed for this indication. There are randomised controlled trials ongoing in the United States and Austria seeking to assess if Dronabinol has an effect in nausea or vomiting directly related to cancer itself rather than any treatment side effects.

There is no evidence of the effectiveness of cannabis-based medicinal in the treatment of cancer itself. When seeking treatment for cancer-related symptoms in the UK, patients must have tried and failed to receive sufficient benefit from first-line licensed therapies.”

Effects on pain

There is growing evidence of the effects of CBD in regulating the impact of pain by modulating the activity of peripheral pain receptors and regulation of pain response within the central nervous system.

A recent cell-based study from Imperial College London demonstrated that CBD directly inhibits the response of receptors that are involved in neuropathic pain processes.

Dr Simon Erridge continued: “The randomised trials of cannabis-based medicinal products to date in cancer-related have only studied the effects of combined THC and CBD products, such as Sativex. Therefore, the exact effects of CBD in isolation without THC for cancer-related pain are therefore unknown. However, a recent recommendation published in the British Medical Journal suggested for people living with chronic cancer or non-cancer pain that if standard care is not sufficient at controlling symptoms they can consider ‘offering a trial of non-inhaled medical cannabis or cannabinoids.”

Inflammation

There is evidence that CBD may inhibit pro-inflammation signals. In particular, CBD’s effect on inflammation appears to come from inhibiting proteins involved in cell signalling that are responsible for acute inflammation, such as interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. It is not clear yet what role this plays in affecting cancer pain.

CBD may help cancer pain by treating inflammation. One study revealed that it may work by preventing the release of compounds responsible for inflammation in the body.

Can CBD help with anxiety caused by a cancer diagnosis?

A diagnosis of cancer may cause a lot of anxiety for a patient or their family. CBD may help those with a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder following a cancer diagnosis.

Dr Simon Erridge explains: “CBD has demonstrated in pre-clinical studies that it increases endocannabinoids as well as activating serotonin receptors. Both mechanisms are purported to produced anxiolytic effects. There have been limited randomised controlled trials in anxiety disorders, pilot clinical trials and real-world evidence however suggest promise in improving anxiety in healthy volunteers and those with diagnosed anxiety disorders.”

What is the best type of CBD to take for cancer pain or nausea?

For the treatment of specific symptoms, it is important to seek the advice of a trained medical professional before starting any new treatments. CBD wellness products have not undergone clinical evaluation and are not recommended to be taken for the treatment of cancer or its symptoms.

Cannabis-based medicinal products, manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, containing CBD can be prescribed by doctors on the specialist register for the condition in which you are seeking treatment.

If they deem it appropriate for you to receive a prescription containing CBD for your condition this should be tailored towards your specific symptoms. For example, oils and capsules produced sustained effects, whereas dried flower that is vaped has a quicker onset of action.

Future Research on CBD and Cancer

There have been promising pre-clinical studies of the effects of CBD in brain cancers such as glioblastoma. A major UK trial, led by the University of Leeds, of cannabis-based drug Sativex in treating brain tumours, is now in development. It will be launched at 15 different NHS hospitals following positive results from 27 patients in the first phase of the study. Phase one found that more glioblastoma patients were alive after one year in the Sativex group compared to those on the placebo.

Other cancers where that have demonstrated promising future developments for research include pancreatic, colorectal and breast cancers

How do I know if THC or CBD will work better for me?

It is always best to discuss taking any new supplement or medication with your doctor or specialists. They can help you decide what may work best for you and they may be able to offer support in the case of any problems.

It can also help to speak to private doctors at medical cannabis clinics about the options available and if it could be prescribed to you.

CBD for cancer in dogs or cats?

Sadly, it’s not just humans who can experience cancer as our beloved pets can also develop it. While CBD is not legal for use with pets in the UK, it is in other parts of the world.

A small study published in the journal Animals reported that CBD-rich hemp nutraceuticals were found to be safe in a group of dogs. However, it also discovered cats had slower absorption rates and faster elimination. The researchers did note that there needed to be further research conducted.

The products do need to be zero-THC as it can be toxic for animals. The effect of THC in different animals can be down to breed, size or diet. Animals may have a reaction that includes symptoms such as becoming wobbly and uncoordinated. Pets may be become hyperactive, disoriented, or vocal. Their pupils may dilate, giving them a wild-eyed appearance, and they may drool excessively or vomit.