Chess game symbolizing the choice between chemotherapy and cannabis for cancer treatment.

Cannabis vs. Chemotherapy: When Patient Choice Meets Medical Evidence

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the risks and realities behind choosing alternative treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma."

The increasing use of unlicensed cannabinoids among cancer patients is a growing concern, especially given the lack of scientific evidence supporting their anti-tumor effects. While many patients are drawn to alternative treatments like cannabis, it's crucial to understand the risks involved and the importance of relying on evidence-based medicine.

In 2017, the FDA issued multiple warning letters to companies falsely claiming that their marijuana-based products had anti-cancer effects, highlighting the potential for misinformation and exploitation in this unregulated market. This raises questions about the public's trust in science and the potential for patients to make potentially fatal treatment decisions based on unsubstantiated claims.

This article will explore a case of Hodgkin lymphoma where a patient delayed standard treatment in favor of unlicensed cannabinoid therapy, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and the need for open communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

The Case: Delaying Chemotherapy for Cannabis

Chess game symbolizing the choice between chemotherapy and cannabis for cancer treatment.

A 21-year-old woman presented to a regional cancer center with a 6-month history of concerning symptoms, including weight loss, fever, amenorrhea, and dyspnea. A physical examination revealed significant weight loss (15 kg) and a noticeable protrusion on her left chest wall. A CT scan confirmed the presence of a substantial anterior mediastinal mass invading the chest wall.

A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Stage IIBEx Hodgkin Disease, further complicated by iron deficiency anemia. The recommended course of action was ABVD chemotherapy followed by involved field radiotherapy. However, the patient and her partner declined this recommendation and instead opted for cannabinoid therapy.

Initial Presentation: Weight loss, fever, dyspnea, and a visible chest wall protrusion.
Diagnosis: Stage IIBEx Hodgkin Disease with complications.
Recommended Treatment: ABVD chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Patient Choice: Declined conventional treatment in favor of cannabinoid therapy.

Over the next four months, the patient underwent serial assessments that revealed clinical and radiological disease progression. Due to worsening dyspnea, the patient eventually consented to ABVD chemotherapy four months after her initial diagnosis. A follow-up PET scan after 2.5 cycles of chemotherapy showed a complete metabolic response. Despite this success, the patient declined further treatment in favor of alternative options.

The Importance of Informed Decisions and Trust in Healthcare

This case highlights the critical importance of informed decision-making in cancer treatment. While patients have the right to choose their preferred course of action, it's essential to base those decisions on sound medical evidence and a clear understanding of the risks and benefits involved.

The case also underscores the challenge of addressing health system distrust, which can lead patients to seek alternative treatments that may not be as effective as conventional therapies. Open communication, shared decision-making, and building trust between patients and clinicians are essential to ensuring optimal outcomes.

Further research is needed to understand the societal trends driving distrust in the scientific community and to identify modifiable risk factors for medical distrust. By addressing these issues, we can empower patients to make informed choices and improve adherence to evidence-based treatment recommendations.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s11845-018-1914-y, Alternate LINK

Title: Cannabis Versus Combination Chemotherapy; N = 1 Trial In Hodgkin’S Lymphoma

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Louisa Jane Mc Sweeney, Peter Mc Eneaney, Seamus O’Reilly

Published: 2018-10-30

Everything You Need To Know

What specific condition was the patient diagnosed with, and what were the initial symptoms?

The patient was diagnosed with Stage IIBEx Hodgkin Disease, a form of cancer, and also presented with iron deficiency anemia. The symptoms included weight loss, fever, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea). A notable mass was also found in the chest area. The recommended treatment was ABVD chemotherapy followed by involved field radiotherapy, which is a standard approach for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

What specific treatment did the patient initially choose, and how did this decision affect their cancer treatment timeline?

The patient chose cannabinoid therapy instead of the recommended ABVD chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This decision led to a delay in receiving standard cancer treatment. The case underscores the importance of patients being fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of all treatment options, including conventional and alternative approaches.

What is ABVD chemotherapy, and how effective was it when the patient eventually underwent the treatment?

ABVD chemotherapy is a combination of drugs commonly used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma. The treatment includes Adriamycin (doxorubicin), Bleomycin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine. In this case, after the patient finally agreed to ABVD chemotherapy following the progression of the disease, a PET scan showed a complete metabolic response after 2.5 cycles. Involved field radiotherapy is a type of radiation therapy that targets specific areas affected by the cancer.

What actions has the FDA taken regarding cannabis products marketed as cancer treatments, and what do these actions imply?

The FDA issued warning letters to companies making false claims about the anti-cancer effects of marijuana-based products in 2017. This action highlights the potential for misinformation and exploitation in the unregulated market of cannabis products. It also raises concerns about the public's trust in science and the potential for patients to make dangerous healthcare choices based on unfounded claims. The FDA's involvement underscores the importance of regulation and oversight to protect patients from deceptive marketing practices.

What are the broader implications of this specific case regarding patient choice, evidence-based medicine, and the treatment of conditions like Hodgkin's lymphoma?

This case demonstrates the complexities involved when patients choose alternative treatments, like unlicensed cannabinoid therapy, over conventional, evidence-based medicine such as ABVD chemotherapy and involved field radiotherapy, particularly in the context of Hodgkin's lymphoma. While patient autonomy is crucial, informed decision-making based on reliable scientific evidence and open communication with healthcare professionals are paramount to avoid potentially harmful delays in necessary treatment and to ensure the best possible outcomes. This balance is key in modern cancer care.