Quality of life and effects of cannabis use in cancer patients receiving palliative care
Keywords:
Cannabis, quality of life, impact, patients with cancer receiving palliative careAbstract
Pain, fatigue, anxiety, loss of appetite, insomnia, as well as physical and mental discomfort significantly diminish the quality of life for cancer patients receiving palliative care. In Thailand, cannabis is now legally used to treat cancer patients. However, there is insufficient evidence-based research.
This study aimed to assess the effects of cannabis on the quality of life and safety of these patients. We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 49 cancer patients in palliative care, selected through purposive sampling from six hospitals in northeastern Thailand. Health-related quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L, and discomfort was measured using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) instruments, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed ranks test.
The results indicated that cannabis use helped alleviate pain, fatigue, nausea, depression, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. Both physical and mental well-being were improved (p<0.05). The utility score increased from 0.86 on day 1 to 0.96 by day 30, the health level score rose from 70 to 80(p<0.05).
Recommendations include promoting the full utilization of the health and economic benefits of cannabis, alongside implementing strict control measures addressing social concerns. This approach may be more effective than reverting cannabis to its previous status as a controlled substance.
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