The Use of Cannabis Derived Medical Products in the Treatment of Children’s Cancer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Legislative change to cannabis use has generated significant interest into the therapeutic utility of cannabis-derived medical products, particularly in the field of oncology. However, much of this research has focused on adults, leaving physicians and caregivers uncertain as to the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids amongst the pediatric demographic. To this end, the aim of this review is to examine the scope of pharmaceutical cannabis in treatment of pediatric cancer, evaluating its utility as an anti-cancer therapeutic as well as symptom relief agent. This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. 30 included articles comprised of 16 clinical and 14 preclinical studies. There is reasonable evidence to support the use of cannabis in CINV, with plausible utility for other facets of symptomatic relief. Preclinical pediatric cancer models, investigating anti-cancer cannabinoid effect, have provided evidence that may warrant first phase clinical trials.