Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are investigating the effects of cannabis use on wound healing following head and neck cancer surgery.
Some studies show that over 50% of cancer patients use cannabis- this figure rising up to 80% when including those who also use tobacco. Research, however- especially prospective studies- is lacking on how cannabis use affects wound healing.
Based on preliminary research, lead investigator of the upcoming study, Lurdes Queimado, M.D., Professor of Cancer Molecular Biology at the University of Oklahoma, hypothesizes that cannabis smoking will have a negative effect on wound healing. Initial studies she conducted, although limited, found that non-cancer patients who smoke cannabis have higher levels of inflammation and reduced immune function- two things which could negatively affect wound healing and increase risk of complications.
In the upcoming study, Queimado and colleagues will include 220 adult patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer and reconstruction after tumor removal. They will be split into four groups- those who use cannabis, those who use cannabis with tobacco, those who only use tobacco, and those who use neither.
The patients will be followed for six months from treatment to monitor for infections, bleeding, medical complications, and scar healing. Cannabis use will be self-reported- whether from smoking, vaping, or edibles- and biochemically verified via blood tests.
"The ultimate goal is to have information to guide the patient," said Queimado in a press release.
“I think this study has the potential to have major implications for other types of cancer and surgeries, but also for chronic diseases because inflammation and immunity play a significant role in many conditions, such as autoimmune diseases. I think there will be many opportunities for growth into other areas once we have established the framework of this study,” she added.
The findings come after a recent study conducted in Indonesia which found that hemp oil may accelerate wound healing in mice.
Sources: The University of Oklahoma, Labroots