Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Is Medical Cannabis a Treatment Worth Trying?
Many people still prefer cannabis over any other conventional treatment approach even though many federal agencies have classified marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. This is because of its multi-faceted approach for treatment and management for a number of health conditions. This has led to its popularity in being an effective therapeutic alternative in recent years.
Although, due to the federal ban, its clinical research is still very limited. However, various anecdotal results have proven that cannabis can be a helpful aid in managing various chronic conditions. These also include managing many symptoms related to different types of cancer.
Now the focus is shifting towards its effectiveness in managing a certain type of cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). Through this article, we will try to learn more about Hodgkin's Lymphoma and how patients can make use of medical cannabis in Los Angeles.
Also Read- Study: Cannabis Users Have Lower Risk of Bladder Cancer
What is Hodgkin's Lymphoma?
Hodgkin's lymphoma affects the lymphatic system by altering various functions associated with white blood cells (lymphocytes).
This mainly affects our body by weakening various immune responses, thereby disabling various properties of lymphocytes to flush out foreign cells.
Symptoms
Hodgkin's lymphoma usually results in swollen lymph nodes. These can be found:
- Between the abdomen and upper thighs
- On side of the neck
- Under the armpits
Other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Night Sweats
- Itchy skin
- Weight loss
- Pain in the lymph nodes after consuming alcohol
- Loss of appetite
What leads to its inception?
Researchers are still curious about its actual reason. However, its primary cause is still unknown.
But, some of the scientists have concluded that certain DNA mutations could be responsible for causing this disease.
Also, if some genes that control the cell proliferation process stops expressing, then this can lead to an unstoppable cell growth or cancer.
How Hodgkin's lymphoma spreads?
As the lymphatic system forms a widespread network in our body, therefore this disease has the potential to start anywhere in our body. However, it usually attacks a lymph node; but, there can be many other sites which may get affected such as:
- Lymph Vessels
- Spleen
- Bone Marrow
- Digestive Tract
- Thymus
- Tonsils and Adenoids
In its progressive stages, this disease can spread all over the body via the bloodstream.
How does Medical Cannabis work against Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Cannabinoids are primary active constituents of medical marijuana that help regulate the endocannabinoid system by activating cannabinoid receptors in our body.
Cannabinoids may greatly help boost the immune system. Research has shown that marijuana has the potential to kill cancer cells. Marijuana helps manage this condition via a number of properties such as:
- Anti-metastatic: Cannabis restricts cancer cell progression in the body.
- Anti-proliferative: Cannabis helps to decrease the growth of tumor cells.
- Apoptosis: Marijuana prohibits the uncontrolled growth cycle of tumor cells by enhancing immune responses through programmed cell death.
- Anti-angiogenesis: Cannabis controls spreading or growth of tumor cells in blood vessels.
A study about the role of medical cannabis in treating HL has been published in Plos Journal where results have shown higher expression of CB1 receptors in Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg cells.
It is a well-known fact that Medical cannabis acts as a direct and natural agonist to these cannabinoid receptors in our body.
Thus, medical cannabis has a high efficacy for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Which Symptoms Of Hodgkin's lymphoma Can Be Treated With Cannabis
Cannabis can play a major role in reducing various associated symptoms of conventional treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma by:
- Improving Mental Health
- Managing pain effectively
- Inducing good sleep
- Reducing the episodes of Nausea and Vomiting
- Eliminating infections
- Reducing appetite loss
Conclusion
Whether or not marijuana may fight this type of cancer still needs more research; however, it may be an effective alternative for managing various symptoms associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Not only this, cannabis is also effective in managing various side effects of conventional treatment options like chemotherapy and radiation.
To get evaluated for this condition, refer to medical cannabis specialists in Los Angeles and manage your condition effectively.