Radiation Oncologist Perceptions of Therapeutic Cannabis Use Among Cancer Patients.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Cancer patients are increasingly incorporating medical marijuana into the management of treatment-related side effects. Currently however, data is limited regarding the risks and benefits of therapeutic cannabis for cancer patients. We sought to characterize radiation oncologists' practices and opinions regarding therapeutic cannabis via a nationwide survey. MATERIALS/METHODS An anonymous survey was distributed via email to 873 radiation oncologists in the American Society for Radiation Oncology member database. Radiation oncologists were asked their opinions and practices regarding the use of therapeutic cannabis for their patients. Bivariate analyses of potential predictors for responses were conducted using standard statistical techniques. RESULTS 107 radiation oncologists completed the survey. Thirty-nine percent of physicians reported having completed paperwork for medical marijuana in the past year. Seventy-one percent of respondents reported therapeutic cannabis as being effective for managing treatment-related toxicities, however only 36% reported that they would recommend it to their patients. Practicing in a state where medical marijuana is legal, and practicing for less than 5 years, were associated with being more likely to recommend therapeutic cannabis (OR = 3.79, P = 0.01 and OR = 2.68, P = 0.04, respectively). Physicians working in private practice were more likely to report a benefit of therapeutic cannabis for treatment-related toxicities than academic physicians (OR = 2.82, P = 0.02). Eighty-one percent of radiation oncologists reported that therapeutic cannabis is beneficial for patients receiving end-of-life care. Fifty-eight percent of physicians reported lacking sufficient knowledge to advise patients regarding therapeutic cannabis, and 86% of respondents were interested in learning more about therapeutic cannabis for cancer patients. CONCLUSION Although a majority of radiation oncologists believe there are benefits to therapeutic cannabis, many are hesitant to recommend for or against its use. Most radiation oncologists agree that therapeutic cannabis should play a role in supportive care for patients receiving end-of-life care. Radiation oncologists appear to be interested in learning more about how therapeutic cannabis may play a role in their patients' care.