Understanding the effects of cannabis use in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy
Official title: Assessing benefits and harms of cannabis use in patients treated with immunotherapy for cancer: a prospective cohort study
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10930127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $599,442 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA286811-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are currently receiving immunotherapy treatments and are considering or currently using cannabis for symptom management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing immunotherapy or those who do not use cannabis may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashare, Rebecca — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Ashare, Rebecca
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cannabis use and immunotherapy for cancer patients: long-term effects
We’re studying how cannabis use affects people with cancer who are receiving immune-based treatments over a year.
-
Cannabis use and its effects for people getting immunotherapy for cancer
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Terminal cannabinoid CB1 receptor changes in schizophrenia and cannabis use
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Cannabis policies and prenatal cannabis use: how laws affect moms and babies
This grant studies how changes in recreational cannabis laws influence cannabis use during pregnancy and health outcomes for mothers and children.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.