T Rasche1, D Emmert1, C Stieber1, M Mücke2,3,4, R Conrad5. 1. Zentrum für Seltene Erkrankungen (ZSEB), Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland. 2. Zentrum für Seltene Erkrankungen (ZSEB), Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland. martin.muecke@ukbonn.de. 3. Institut für Hausarztmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland. martin.muecke@ukbonn.de. 4. Klinik für Palliativmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland. martin.muecke@ukbonn.de. 5. Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In recent years, the media and scientists have shown increased interest in cannabis-based drugs. OBJECTIVES: Background information about cannabis-based drugs and their mechanism of action as well as discussion of possible applications as supportive therapy or in palliative medicine, respectively, are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recent literature was examined and evaluated. RESULTS: In many medical fields, we do not have sufficient evidence for the efficacy of cannabinoids. In German pharmaceutical legislation, the use of nabiximols for the treatment of intermediate to severe, therapy-resistant spasticity in multiple sclerosis is the only approved indication for cannabis-based drugs. Furthermore, in view of the current evidence cannabinoids, combined with established treatments and as part of an individual therapeutic attempt, can be used for neuropathic pain, cancer-associated pain and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related cachexia. CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, today's assessment of cannabinoids relies on studies that are classified as low evidence. Therefore, further studies which involve more participants and evaluate long-term effects are needed.
BACKGROUND: In recent years, the media and scientists have shown increased interest in cannabis-based drugs. OBJECTIVES: Background information about cannabis-based drugs and their mechanism of action as well as discussion of possible applications as supportive therapy or in palliative medicine, respectively, are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recent literature was examined and evaluated. RESULTS: In many medical fields, we do not have sufficient evidence for the efficacy of cannabinoids. In German pharmaceutical legislation, the use of nabiximols for the treatment of intermediate to severe, therapy-resistant spasticity in multiple sclerosis is the only approved indication for cannabis-based drugs. Furthermore, in view of the current evidence cannabinoids, combined with established treatments and as part of an individual therapeutic attempt, can be used for neuropathic pain, cancer-associated pain and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related cachexia. CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, today's assessment of cannabinoids relies on studies that are classified as low evidence. Therefore, further studies which involve more participants and evaluate long-term effects are needed.
Entities:
Keywords:
Anesthetics; Cannabidiol; Cannabinoid receptor; Palliative care; Palliative medicine