Minneapolis, MN: Breast cancer patients prescribed aromatase inhibitors (estrogen-blocking drugs) experience reduced musculoskeletal pain following their use of topical balms containing plant-derived cannabinoids, according to clinical trial data published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Researchers with the University of Minnesota evaluated the efficacy of CBD-dominant and THC-dominant topicals in 21 patients suffering from aromatase inhibitor-induced pain. Study participants were randomly selected to apply either CBD-dominant or THC-dominant balms on their hands, wrists, and fingers three times daily for at least two weeks. Cannabis products were provided at no cost by a state-licensed medical cannabis manufacturer.
Eighty-six percent of participants experienced improvements in their baseline pain scores, with patients using THC-dominant topicals reporting the greatest degree of pain relief. Benefits were sustained throughout the length of the trial (up to four weeks).
“Women with breast cancer and AIMSS [aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal syndrome] affecting hands and wrists reported improved pain and physical functioning when using THC and CBD balms. Use of topical cannabis balms was well tolerated and did not impact estradiol levels or lead to systemic THC absorption,” the study’s authors concluded. “Cannabis balms appear safe and may lead to improvement in AIMSS in patients with breast cancer. Future placebo-controlled trials with longer duration of use are needed.”
Previous clinical trials have similarly demonstrated the efficacy of CBD-infused topicals in treating osteoarthritic hand pain.
Full text of the study, “A randomized, open-label trial to assess feasibility and tolerability of topical cannabis balms for the treatment of aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS),” appears in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.