NHS Reimburses Cannabis for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

NEW YORK- The National Health Service (NHS) England has reimbursed a patient for the cost of medicinal cannabis flowers to manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Michael Roberts, diagnosed with rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma and lung metastases, became the first British patient to receive such a reimbursement.Original Article

Michael Roberts (MR) received FOLFIRI chemotherapy and later, FOLFOX chemotherapy after an emergency Hartmann’s procedure and lung ablation. MR reported severe nausea and vomiting from the FOLFIRI treatment. While traditional antiemetics like metoclopramide and aprepitant provided moderate relief, others like ondansetron, levomepromazine, and nabilone caused intolerable side effects.

Medicinal Cannabis Treatment

Roberts used THC-predominant cannabis flowers, which significantly improved his CINV, anxiety, sleep quality, appetite, mood, and overall quality of life. His treatment journey and outcomes were documented through NHS records, individual funding request forms, and patient-reported outcome measures. This case highlights the potential of medicinal cannabis flowers in enhancing cancer palliative care when integrated with standard oncology treatments. It suggests a pathway for other patients to access these treatments and underscores the need for broader awareness and integration of cannabis-based medicinal products within national healthcare services.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) significantly affects cancer patients, with an estimated 40% experiencing this distressing side effect. Traditional antiemetics often fall short in efficacy and can produce side effects like headaches and constipation. With the legalization of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in the UK, there is growing interest in their role in managing CINV and other cancer-related symptoms. Cannabinoid agonists like nabilone and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have shown promise as antiemetics and offer additional therapeutic benefits. Michael Roberts is the first NHS patient to be reimbursed for medicinal cannabis flowers to manage CINV. He received this treatment after experiencing severe nausea and vomiting during his chemotherapy for rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma and lung metastases. Standard antiemetics provided limited relief, while others caused significant side effects. Inhalation of THC-predominant cannabis flowers alongside standard medication improved his symptoms and overall quality of life.

This case supports the integration of medicinal cannabis flowers into cancer palliative care, showcasing their potential to manage CINV and improve patients’ quality of life. The successful funding request for Roberts’ treatment may pave the way for broader use and acceptance of cannabis-based medicinal products in the NHS.