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Review
. 2020 Jan-Mar;26(1):129-133.
doi: 10.4103/IJPC.IJPC_155_19. Epub 2020 Jan 28.

Cannabinoids as an Alternative Option for Conventional Analgesics in Cancer Pain Management: A Pharmacogenomics Perspective

Anmi Jose  1 , Levin Thomas  1 , Gayathri Baburaj  1 , Murali Munisamy  1 , Mahadev Rao  1
Affiliations
Review

Cannabinoids as an Alternative Option for Conventional Analgesics in Cancer Pain Management: A Pharmacogenomics Perspective

Anmi Jose et al. Indian J Palliat Care. 2020 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

The global cancer burden is significantly increasing at an alarming rate affecting patients, relatives, communities, and health-care system. Cancer patients require adequate pain relief and palliative care throughout the life course, especially in terminal illness. Although opioid treatment is successful in majority of patients, around 40% do not achieve enough analgesia or are prone to serious side effects and toxicity. The treatment of medical conditions with cannabis and cannabinoid compounds is constantly expanding. This review organizes the current knowledge in the context of SNPs associated with opioids and nonopioids and its clinical consequences in pain management and pharmacogenetic targets of cannabinoids, for use in clinical practice.

Keywords: Cancer pain; cannabinoids; nonopioids; opioids; pharmacogenomics.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

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