Understanding the effects of cannabis use in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy

Assessing benefits and harms of cannabis use in patients treated with immunotherapy for cancer: a prospective cohort study

NIH-funded research State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10930127

This study is looking at how using cannabis might help or hurt cancer patients who are getting immunotherapy, and it will follow 450 patients for a year to see how it affects their health and treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Amherst, United States)
Project IDNIH-10930127 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how cannabis use affects cancer patients who are undergoing immunotherapy, particularly focusing on the benefits and potential harms associated with its use. The study will follow a group of 450 cancer patients over 12 months to gather data on their experiences with cannabis while receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. By examining immune function and disease progression, the research aims to provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of cannabis in this patient population. Participants will be monitored for changes in symptoms, side effects, and overall health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are currently receiving immunotherapy treatments and are considering or currently using cannabis for symptom management.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing immunotherapy or those who do not use cannabis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help clarify the role of cannabis in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a significant interest in cannabis use among cancer patients, but this study aims to provide novel longitudinal data specifically related to immunotherapy.

Where this research is happening

Amherst, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.