A University at Buffalo psychologist has received a $3.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to assess how cannabis use affects patients who receive immunotherapy.

The 12-month observational study seeks to advance the science regarding the benefits and harms of cannabis use over time among cancer patients treated with immunotherapy. UB will begin by recruiting 450 participants being treated for cancer with ICI, or immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunotherapy. Immune checkpoints govern the immune response to prevent the destruction of healthy cells.

"There are virtually no long-term studies evaluating its potential benefits and harms for persons treated with immunotherapy for cancer, despite cancer and its treatments being qualifying conditions in most of the 37 states and Washington, D.C., that have legalized adult use or medical cannabis,” says Rebecca Ashare, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology in the UB College of Arts and Sciences and the grant’s principal investigator. "There are reports of benefits surrounding pain relief, improving mood and curbing sleep deprivation, but there is also evidence of physical, cognitive and mental harms, including cannabis use disorder."

Half of the study participants will be cannabis users and the other half will be non-users. Roberto Pili, MD, associate dean for cancer research and integrative oncology in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, will lead the oncology research for UB and Great Lakes Cancer Care Collaborative.

Another part of the grant is to examine the role of neighborhood disadvantage on outcomes related to cannabis use and ICI immunotherapy.

"We have a strong multidisciplinary team with expertise in cancer symptom management, medical cannabis, health equity, oncology, immunology, and substance misuse," says Ashare. "Overall this research will have a sustained impact on the science of cancer symptom management and ultimately improve patient care and safety."