Professional Conference

Thematic Area: Integrative Medicine - Oncology and Dentistry

Presentation Preference: Oral Presentation

Title: Medicinal Cannabis in Integrative Dentistry for Oncology Patients
Title (English): Medicinal Cannabis in Integrative Dentistry for Oncology Patients

Authors: Cynthia De Carlo1 (Cyndi@hydra.com.br)
Affiliations: 1Professor at Sechat Academy, Inspiralli, Vigo-Mandic, Unileya, Plenitude Educação, SBOSI Postgraduate Program; Member of SBEC and SBED; Prescriber of Medicinal Cannabis for Cannopy Growth and Unifesp

Abstract:
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy often experience severe oral complications such as mucositis, pain, inflammation, and impaired nutrition, which compromise treatment adherence and quality of life. Integrative dentistry seeks to combine conventional oral care with complementary therapies to restore systemic balance and improve patient outcomes. Medicinal cannabis, containing cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has emerged as a promising adjunctive therapy due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and appetite-stimulating properties.

This study hypothesizes that medicinal cannabis can reduce oral pain, inflammation, and mucositis in oncology patients, thereby decreasing opioid reliance and enhancing recovery. The objective was to evaluate cannabis-based interventions as part of integrative dental care for oncology patients. Methods included reviewing clinical cases and preclinical evidence on cannabinoid pharmacology, administration routes (oral, sublingual, topical, inhalation, suppositories), and therapeutic outcomes in oral oncology care. Results demonstrated that cannabis therapy improved pain control, reduced mucositis severity, enhanced appetite, improved sleep, and supported emotional wellbeing. In refractory oral mucositis cases, cannabis showed superior symptom control compared to conventional treatments, allowing continuity of cancer therapy.

Conclusions highlight that medicinal cannabis, when used under clinical supervision as an adjunct to standard oncology treatments, provides significant benefits in symptom management, quality of life, and functional recovery. While preclinical studies suggest antitumor potential, robust human trials are still needed to validate these effects. Integrative dentistry incorporating medicinal cannabis offers a holistic approach to oncology care, bridging oral health with systemic wellbeing.

Keywords: medicinal cannabis, integrative dentistry, oncology, oral mucositis, cannabinoids, pain management