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The emerging role of cannabinoid neuromodulators in symptom management

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Abstract

Introduction

The cannabinoids nabilone (Cesamet) and dronabinol (Marinol) are indicated for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in cancer patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic therapy.

Discussion

The endocannabinoid (CB) system interacts with numerous other systems and pharmaceutical cannabinoids target ubiquitous CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system and periphery, relieving nausea and vomiting and pain.

Summary

The benefits of this novel class of medications in cancer may extend beyond CINV, as indicated by data from preclinical studies and animal models.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Mellar Davis

  2. William Osler Health Center, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Vincent Maida

  3. University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Vincent Maida

  4. Departments of Internal and Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Paul Daeninck

  5. CancerCare Manitoba, St. Boniface Site, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Paul Daeninck

  6. Winnipeg Regional Palliative Care Program, Winnipeg, MA, Canada

    Paul Daeninck

  7. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Joseph Pergolizzi

  8. Coalition of Pain Education (COPE), National Institute of Pain, New York, NY, USA

    Joseph Pergolizzi

  9. Naples Anesthesia and Pain Associates, Naples, FL, USA

    Joseph Pergolizzi

Authors
  1. Mellar Davis
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  2. Vincent Maida
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  3. Paul Daeninck
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  4. Joseph Pergolizzi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mellar Davis.

Additional information

A symposium, The Emerging Role of Cannabinoid Neuromodulators in Symptom Management, was held during the Multinational Association of Symptom Care in Cancer 18th International Symposium, June 23, 2006, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The following summarizes the presentations of the panel members.

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Davis, M., Maida, V., Daeninck, P. et al. The emerging role of cannabinoid neuromodulators in symptom management. Support Care Cancer 15, 63–71 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-006-0180-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-006-0180-0

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