Cotter, J. (2009). Efficacy of crude marijuana and synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol as treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A systematic literature review. Oncology Nursing Forum, 36, 345–352.
To determine if oral synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and smoked marijuana are effective in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and to evaluate the side effects and patient preferences for treatment
Databases searched were MEDLINE (1966–present), CINAHL (1982–present), and the Cochrane Library. A search of article reference lists also was performed.
Search keywords were nausea, vomiting, cancer, chemotherapy, cannabis, marijuana, and dronabinol.
Studies were included in the review if they
The author retrieved 18 relevant citations, 10 of which were clinical trials and included in the review. The author evaluated the quality of the reference based on strength of evidence, study design, sample size, and purpose. Specific criteria were not described.
Nurses need to review potential sides effects. Individual patients can have differing concerns as a result of other problems or preferences. Oral THC may be the best option for use among patients with cancer.