Considering July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, we thought now would be a fitting time to bring more attention to the different kinds of sarcoma, the research being conducted, and the treatment options available designed to kill cancer cells, and soothe secondary symptoms.
But first, it is important to note that medical cannabis is not a first line treatment option for cancer or sarcomas, nor is it a cure. Medical cannabis can however be prescribed by specialist doctors in the UK to patients who have been deemed eligible, to alleviate the vomiting and nausea, pain, sleep and appetite concerns, or low mood or anxiety that often accompanies sarcoma diagnosis’, and, the conventional methods commonly used to combat cancer.
So, what is sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that develops in bones or soft tissues, like muscles, nerves, fat, blood vessels, and deep skin or fibrous tissues.
Depending on the tumour’s location, they are categorised as either bone sarcomas (also known as bone cancer) or soft tissue sarcomas. Within these two classifications, there are 100 different subtypes.
How common is sarcoma?
Not very common. Of all sarcomas, soft tissue sarcomas are diagnosed most frequently in England, and in 2019 they accounted for 87% of all sarcomas diagnosed.
Of the 4,472 soft tissue sarcoma’s diagnosed, the most common subtypes were gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) (927 cases), undifferentiated sarcoma (839 cases), leiomyosarcoma (498 cases) and liposarcoma (391 cases).
On the other hand, 13%, or, 662, of the sarcomas diagnosed in 2019 in England, were bone sarcomas, with the most prevalent being chondrosarcoma (197 cases), followed by osteosarcoma (158), and Ewing’s Sarcoma (101).
Because of each subtypes' rarity, it’s extremely rare for patients to meet another with the same type of sarcoma, and this is why it’s often referred to as the loneliest cancer.
What symptoms does sarcoma cause?
Sarcoma symptoms can vary depending on the tumour’s location, and the anti-cancer treatments being used, however typical symptoms include:
Not all soft-tissue sarcomas respond well to chemotherapy, but some do, and so the decision of whether to use radiotherapy or chemotherapy typically depends on the patient's particular sarcoma subtype.
Sometimes these adjunctive treatments are prescribed before surgery, to help shrink the tumour and destroy cancer cells before their operation. Then, during surgery, the tumour is removed along with a margin of surrounding tissue. This is to reduce the likelihood of the cancer coming back.
After surgery, if the sarcoma was classed as an intermediate or high-grade tumour, or the surgeon was only able to remove a small margin, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be recommended again, to reduce the risk of cancer reoccurring.
What are the side effects of traditional cancer treatments?
While this conventional route has proven to be successful for many sarcoma cancer survivors, both radiotherapy and surgery can damage the lymphatic system, and chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are often unpleasant to experience because of their side effects.
Common side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, reduced appetite, hair loss, anaemia, constipation and easy bruising and bleeding. Radiotherapy can also cause a whole host of side effects including sore skin, fatigue, nausea, discomfort when eating, weight loss, diarrhoea, stiff muscles and joints, and hair loss. And amongst other more complicated side effects, even successful surgeries can cause pain, bruising, bleeding, inflammation and infections, and blood clots.
Can medical cannabis be prescribed for sarcoma support in the UK?
While medical cannabis is not a treatment for cancer like sarcoma, both real-life evidence and clinical investigations have displayed positive findings when cannabis-based products are used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments.
Real-life evidence demonstrates medical cannabis can take a multifaceted approach, targeting a number of symptoms at once - and so, medical cannabis is fast becoming a popular treatment choice amongst patients with cancer.
The clinical studies referenced in the subheadings below provide some insight into the potential effects and benefits of medical cannabis when used in cancer treatment plans.
It is important to note that while these studies show impressive findings, they may not meet the rigorous standards required by UK regulatory bodies such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Consequently, the findings from these studies are not considered robust or comprehensive enough to support definitive medical claims regarding the efficacy of cannabis for medical use. And so, any conclusions drawn should be interpreted with caution, and viewed as preliminary rather than conclusive evidence while research in this area continues.
Medical cannabis and cancer: nausea, vomiting, and appetite
Another study of interest in this area was conducted in 2019, and it analysed the data held by Minnesota’s medical cannabis program. According to their data, within the first four months of treatment, patients with cancer using cannabis therapeutically reported their vomiting had reduced by around 50%.
Experiencing pain is another very common symptom of sarcoma, and it's also a common side effect of conventional anticancer treatments. In fact, the British Medical Journal states over 50% of people receiving these treatments report cancer-related pain, which can have a knock-on effect on sleep and mood.
The study also found participants' need for other prescribed medicines fell, and it was noted that the rate of opioid and medication use consistently decreased at each follow up.
Medical cannabis and cancer: sleep and mood concerns
Unfortunately, insomnia, anxiety, and depression are also common side effects, or secondary symptoms, of conventional cancer treatments, and cancer diagnosis. But, research and real-life evidence indicates medical cannabis may be able to help here too.
While medical cannabis is generally well-tolerated, like any medication, there are side effects that can occur. This is why it's important the application of medical cannabis is overseen by qualified healthcare professionals like those who work for Releaf and regular check-in appointments are conducted, so treatment plans can be adjusted in case of their occurrence.
Side effects can vary depending on the type of cannabis-based treatment, dosage, and other medications in the system, but the most common side effects include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Red eyes
Dry mouth
Impaired cognitive function
Fatigue
Gastrointestinal issues
Anxiety
Increased heart rate
Closing thoughts
To summarise this blog, we spoke to our expert Oncologist, and Releaf medical cannabis consultant, Dr Sue Clenton.
Dr Sue Clenton said:
"Medical cannabis is not a cure for cancer. However, it can significantly alleviate some symptoms associated with conventional cancer treatments, and offer relief for some patients that could be described as transformational.
Because Sarcomas are so rare, it's important that those affected have a full understanding of the options available to them while research into a cure continues.
If patients have been unsuccessful with conventional medicines in managing the vomiting, nausea, pain, and poor sleep, that often accompanies treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, they may be deemed suitable for cannabis-based treatments, and, we’re here to help along the way if it’s something they’d like to find out more about. “
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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With five years of journalism and healthcare content creation under her belt, Lucy strives to improve medical cannabis awareness and access in the UK by producing high quality, credible content.
All of our articles are written by medical cannabis experts, guided by strict sourcing guidelines, and reference peer-reviewed studies and credible academic research. Our expert clinical team and compliance specialists provide valuable insights to ensure accuracy when required. Learn more in our editorial policy.
Cannabis is an extremely complex and versatile species, with different plants potentially containing a distinct range and different concentrations of various compounds. Take terpenes, for example. There are estimated to be more than 200 terpenes present in cannabis, with different combinations contributing to the variable features and properties of different cultivars. However, these aromatic and often therapeutic compounds are far from unique to cannabis.
While awareness of medical cannabis has grown in recent years, there remains a huge knowledge gap when it comes to healthcare professionals and their understanding of this treatment.
Sarah Sinclair
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