2082P - TASMAN: An international survey on the knowledge, aTtitudes and clinical pAtternsS of use of Medical Cannabis for caNcer care

Background

Medical cannabis (MC) has garnered significant attention as a potential strategy for cancer care. Attitudes and beliefs of medical professionals regarding its efficacy and safety remain diverse and inconclusive. This survey explores medical professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and barriers towards MC for cancer care. It aims to understand their beliefs on efficacy and safety, benefits and risks, and identify barriers to its use.

Methods

175 medical professionals worldwide completed a 31-item survey that included demographics, knowledge and attitudes towards MC, perceived benefits and risks, and willingness to recommend MC to patients. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests.

Results

The survey included respondents with a balanced male-to-female ratio and a median age of 37 years from 31 countries, with 120 from upper-middle-income countries (UMIC) and 55 from lower-middle-income countries (LMIC). Findings revealed that 44% of respondents were familiar with MC, and 51% claimed to have received information about it from patients, with 35% receiving direct prescription requests. Surprisingly, only 16% had prescribed MC for symptoms such as CINV, pain, anorexia, cachexia, psychiatric symptoms, insomnia, muscle spasms. There were no significant associations between knowledge levels or patient prescription requirements and income level, but a significant association was found between drug prescription and UMICs. (p = 0.003). Notably, only 9% of participants were knowledgeable about their country's MC legislation, although most believed that legislative and social stigma posed significant barriers to its use.

Conclusions

The survey revealed significant variations in the knowledge and attitudes of medical oncologists towards MC in cancer care. Geographic differences were also observed, with professionals from UMICs more inclined to prescribe MC. These findings underscore the need for enhanced education and training for medical professionals regarding the use of MC in cancer care, thereby informing future research and clinical practices in this field.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.