A study examined the effectiveness of cannabis-infused topical salves to reduce pain for women battling breast cancer. The findings published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research showed breast cancer patients taking prescribed aromatase inhibitors (estrogen-blocking drugs) experienced decreased musculoskeletal pain after use of topical balms infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, and the American Cancer Society estimates that the average risk of a woman developing breast cancer sometime in her life is roughly 13%.
University of Minnesota researchers evaluated the efficacy of CBD-dominant and THC-dominant topical balms in 21 patients. The participant's mean age was 54 years, and 86% identified as white. 43% of the participants received adjuvant chemotherapy. 48% of the women reported no lifetime cannabis use. The researchers randomly selected participants to apply either CBD-dominant or THC-dominant balms on their fingers, hands, and wrists. The participants applied the balms three times every day for two weeks. The participants then had the option to continue using the balm of their choice for an additional two weeks. A state-licensed medical cannabis manufacturer provided topical cannabis products to the participants at no cost.
86% of the participants reported improvements in their baseline pain scores. Participants using THC-dominant topical treatments reported the greatest degree of pain relief. The participants experienced sustained pain reduction throughout the length of the trial (up to four weeks). 24% reported some minor skin irritation.
Patients with breast cancer and AIMSS reported that use of THC and CBD balms increased pain management and physical functioning. Data analysis showed that the infused topical balms were safe, effective, and well-tolerated. The study also indicated no impact on estradiol levels, and it did not lead to systemic THC absorption. The findings highlight the need for placebo-controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of balms in decreasing AIMSS severity in breast cancer patients.
Sources: Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, NORML