Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer whose symptoms include significant and relentless pain. A newly released study published in the journal BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care has concluded that medical cannabis can provide real and effective relief for this pain and that it does so safely.
Results from Hundreds of Cancer Patients of Interest to Mesothelioma Sufferers
The study, which was conducted by researchers, from McGill University in Montreal, Harvard Medical School in Boston, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, set out to determine whether medicinal cannabis could offer patients with cancers – including mesothelioma – a viable alternative to traditional pain relief methods without introducing serious side effects.
Patients with cancers like mesothelioma are frequently treated using opioids and other drugs that leave them drowsy, depressed, nauseous, and constipated. In addition to these side effects, many of these drugs lead to dangerous dependencies. The researchers collected information submitted to the Quebec Cannabis Registry over a 3.5-year period, assessing both the effectiveness of the medical cannabis that was used and what ratio of THC and CBD offered the greatest relief.
Mesothelioma Patients Seek Relief from Pain
Like other patients diagnosed with cancer, malignant mesothelioma patients are frequently treated with opioids and other pain relievers. Study participants who took medical cannabis with an equal balance of THC and CBD reported significant decreases in the intensity of their pain, and found that pain interfered less with their daily activities. They also found that the use of cannabis decreased their use of opioids.
Mesothelioma patients interested in exploring the use of the substance should strongly consider that one of the top conclusions offered by the study’s authors was the need for close supervision by healthcare professionals to authorize, direct, and monitor medical cannabis use. The most commonly recommended method of administering the substance was oral.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, finding relief and improved quality of life is a top priority. For assistance, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net at 1-800-692-8608 today.
