Effectiveness of the DTAM Ganja Oil (Deja Formula) for Palliative Care in End-Stage Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective: To study the effectiveness of the DTAM Ganja oil (Deja formula) for palliative care in end-stage cancer patients. Method: A quasi-experimental research in one-group with pretest and posttest were conducted in 31 terminally ill cancer patients who received the DTAM Ganja oil for palliative care. The study collected data before the use of the DTAM Ganja oil and three months after use. The study assessed health-related quality of life with the EQ-5D-5L, and determined various symptoms with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). The study also measured the outcomes of palliative care with the Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS), and assessed depression with the 2Q form. Results: Average scores of overall health-related quality of life before the use of the DTAM Ganja oil and after its use for 3 months were 69.03±32.49 and 86.00±21.08, respectively. The scores significantly increased after use of cannabis oil (P=0.018). The utility scores before the use of the DTAM Ganja oil and after its use for 3 months were 0.858±0.18 and 0.955±0.07, respectively, The scores significantly increased after use of the DTAM Ganja oil l (P=0.004). Pain, tiredness and exhaustion, nausea, anxiety, loss of appetite, physical and mental comfort, fatigue, and other symptoms after the use of DTAM Ganja oil (Deja formula) were significantly improved (P=0.018, 0.030, 0.040, 0.006, 0.008, 0.006, 0.012, and 0.030, respectively). Overall outcomes of palliative care before and after the use of the DTAM Ganja oil were 0.82±1.15 and 0.52±0.89, respectively. The outcomes were significant increased (P=0.013). Pain and other symptoms affecting feelings after the use of Ganja oil were significantly better than those measured before the use (P=0.013 and 0.032, respectively). Risk of depression before was identified in 5 patients before the use of Ganja oil, and in 1 patient after its use. Conclusion: The DTAM Ganja oil (Deja formula) improves quality of life, increases utility score, and reduces pain and other symptoms that affect sensation. Therefore, Ganja oil may be an alternative treatment in palliative care for health professionals.