Breast cancer patients have become a rapidly growing segment of medical cannabis users in the country.
But while cannabis has shown promise in symptom management, it is not considered a cure for cancer for now.
The need for comprehensive research to understand the benefits and potential harm of medical cannabis and cannabinoids (MCC) in cancer patients is clear.
“Despite being considered safe and well-tolerated,” said Dr. Jennifer Hu, professor and division director in the Department of Public Health Science at the University of Miami School of Medicine, “MCC may result in potential interactions with cancer treatments, adverse reactions and tumor progression.”
A significant step toward understanding the role of medical cannabis and cannabinoids in breast cancer treatment comes in the form of a five-year, $3.2 million U01 award from the National Cancer Institute. The award was granted to a 12-member team led by Hu, in collaboration with experts from UF Health Cancer Center and the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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