Denise Vidot, PhD
University of Miami
Co-Authors: Amrit Baral1, Bria-Necole Diggs1, Hamza Masoud1, Yash Agrawal1, Ciné Brown1
1University of Miami
Background: The prevalence of cannabis use among Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients is increasing concurrent with access to medical cannabis. Studies suggest that cannabis may alleviate cancer-related symptoms; however, use patterns and patient-provider communication are not established among adults living with MM.
Objective: This ancillary study to an ongoing NCI-funded study aims to explore cannabis use and provider communication among adults living with MM.
Methods: Participants are respondents to the Cannabis and Cancer study (N=437) of patients at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The analytic sample focused on the 10 participants with MM who reported cannabis use. REDCap was leveraged to collect socio-demographics, cancer stage, and treatment. The NCI-Cannabis Core Questionnaire measured cannabis frequency, source, method of use, and comfort in discussing with providers. Data were analyzed using a descriptive approach, with frequency and proportion reported for each variable.
Results: Of the sample (age range 37-76y; median=63y), 20.0% were former consumers that stopped before MM diagnosis, 50.0% were current consumers that started before diagnosis, and 30.0% were current consumers that started after diagnosis. All had health coverage, 50.0% were retired, 30.0% disabled, and 20.0% employed; 30.0% were foreign-born. Cancer stages varied: Unspecified (30.0%), Stage-4 (10.0%), Stage-3 (20.0%), Stage-2 (20.0%), Stage-1 (20.0%); 30.0% had a history of prior cancers (skin-non melanoma, blood, and prostate); 70.0% were undergoing treatment. Bone marrow transplants were performed on 70.0% of participants; 85.7% received autologous transplants. Most (75.0%) obtained cannabis from a dispensary. Only 50.0% knew what cannabinoids were in the cannabis consumed, of which 40.0% reported delta-9-THC-dominant cannabis, 40.0% reported CBD-dominant cannabis; and 20.0% reported delta-8-THC-dominant cannabis. Majority (75.0%) of those that reported their most common route of use, reported that they most often consume cannabis by eating or drinking. Most (62.5%) reported daily use during MM treatment. Pain was the most common (90.0%) reason for use. Most (87.5%) felt comfortable discussing cannabis with their cancer provider, but only 62.5% communicated about cannabis use.
Conclusions: THC-dominant, daily cannabis use via eating or drinking were most commonly reported among cannabis consumers with MM. Given its emerging use for pain management, further research should assess its effectiveness and safety in symptom relief. Objective prospective examination of a larger cohort of MM patients is needed to elucidate the long-term impact of use.