The role of THC in improving palliative cancer care: A German study

German researchers have discovered that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) can not only extend the survival time of palliative cancer patients, but also considerably improve their quality of life.

This discovery is particularly relevant for those involved in the palliative care, where the emphasis is on symptom and stress relief related to a serious illness.

Understanding THC and its therapeutic potential

The THC is mainly known for its intoxicating effects, which are partly responsible for the recreational effects of cannabis. It also possesses therapeutic properties that can prove beneficial in the treatment of various pathologies. With the widespread use of medical marijuana, THC is increasingly prescribed to patients in the palliative phase to help them to managing sleep disorders, loss of appetite, anxiety, stress and pain.

Study design and results

The study analyzed 9,419 patients with a survival time of at least seven days after inclusion in a specialized outpatient palliative care program. These patients were divided into three groups according to their dose of THC :

• THC-free
• Low-dose THC (≤4.7 mg per day)
• Higher doses of THC (≥4.7 mg per day)

The results showed that the survival time was significantly prolonged in patients receiving higher doses of THC. Specifically, patients in cohort 2, a subgroup with a survival time of between 7 and 100 days, saw their survival time increase by 15 days (40 days vs. 25 days) when prescribed more than 4.7 mg THC per day.

The study, published in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, The researchers also observed that THC-treated patients were more mentally and physically active. According to the researchers, these extra days could be important for patients and their families, especially if accompanied by a good quality of life. As the researchers point out, «the increased activity and improved quality of life could enable patients to renew social contacts with family and friends and to settle essential matters before dying».

Limits and wider implications

Although the results are promising, the researchers acknowledged several limitations to their study, which are detailed in the publication. It's also important to note that despite the growing body of evidence supporting the use of THC in palliative care, healthcare professionals still lack in-depth knowledge.

A recent survey revealed that a majority of hospice and palliative medicine professionals feel insufficiently informed about the’using medical cannabis. Some respondents even felt that the cannabis was just as effective, This is even more effective than conventional treatments for symptoms such as anorexia/cachexia, nausea/vomiting and pain.

Patient experience and wider acceptance

This study is in line with previous research, including a 2018 study in which 95.9 % of cancer patients surveyed reported an improvement in their condition thanks to the use of medical cannabis. This result is all the more remarkable given that more than half the participants were in stage IV cancer, considered incurable.