The emerging role of cannabinoid neuromodulators in symptom management.
BACKGROUND
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The benefits of this novel class of medications in cancer may extend beyond CINV, as indicated by data from preclinical studies and animal models.
Davis
Mellar
M
The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. davism6@ccf.org
Maida
Vincent
V
Daeninck
Paul
P
Pergolizzi
Joseph
J
D000284:Administration, Oral; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid / Q000187:drug effects*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D014839:Vomiting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; C011941:nabilone; D013759:Dronabinol