The effect of cannabinoids on prostate specific antigen (PSA) and positron emission tomography/ computerized tomography (PET) scan results of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer who are using medical cannabis

This is a prospective quantitative cohort research study, which aims to investigate the physiological effects cannabinoids have on the prostate specific antigen (PSA) and on the results of positron emission tomography (PET) scans on patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Medical cannabis has been used globally for centuries, and has shown positive results on patients diagnosed with chronic ailments especially cancer (Frankhauser, 2002). Studies have shown the link between the medical cannabinoids and prostate cancer, and literature alludes to the fact that phytocannabinoids can be a possible treatment for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (Leson & Pless, 2002). This study will utilise a quantitative research approach, and patients will be recruited from the cancer care centres in the Eastern Cape. This comparative study will evaluate three cohorts of patients. These include patients on medical cannabinoids only, patients receiving both medical cannabinoids and chemotherapy/ radiation, and the last group of patients using only the conventional chemotherapy/radiation. There is insufficient evidence to show the effect cannabinoids have on cancer patients, thus a conceptual framework/knowledge translation plan will be developed from the results of this study. Studies have indicated a relationship between the endocannabinoid system and the prostate cells (Andriole, Crawford & Grubb, 2009). Hence, this study will add to the growing body of knowledge and provide evidence on the effect of phytocannabinoids among prostate cancer patients.