The emerging role of cannabinoid neuromodulators in symptom management

Support Care Cancer. 2007 Jan;15(1):63-71. doi: 10.1007/s00520-006-0180-0. Epub 2006 Dec 1.

Abstract

Introduction: The cannabinoids nabilone (Cesamet) and dronabinol (Marinol) are indicated for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in cancer patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic therapy.

Discussion: The endocannabinoid (CB) system interacts with numerous other systems and pharmaceutical cannabinoids target ubiquitous CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system and periphery, relieving nausea and vomiting and pain.

Summary: The benefits of this novel class of medications in cancer may extend beyond CINV, as indicated by data from preclinical studies and animal models.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / pharmacokinetics
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / therapeutic use*
  • Antiemetics / pharmacokinetics
  • Antiemetics / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications
  • Dronabinol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Dronabinol / pharmacokinetics
  • Dronabinol / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid / drug effects*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / complications
  • Vomiting / drug therapy*
  • Vomiting / etiology

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Antiemetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • nabilone
  • Dronabinol