Medical Cannabis and Integrative Oncology Treatment for Patients

Richard T. Lee, MD, Cherng Family Director’s Chair, Center for Integrative Oncology at City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, discusses his oral presentation at the Society for Integrative Oncology International Conference titled “Reasons and Types of Medical Cannabis (MC) Use by Patients with Cancer Receiving Treatment at a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC).” He talks about a $100 million gift from the founders of Panda Express to create a first-of-its-kind, national integrative oncology program that brings together Eastern and Western medicine for cancer patients. Lee is the first researcher in the country to receive funding from the National Cancer Institute to conduct a clinical trial studying the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical compounds in cannabis, for the treatment of chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a common nerve-damaging side effect of treatment.

Richard T. Lee, M.D., is a third-generation physician whose philosophy is to treat the whole patient and their needs. His practice brings together the best of Western medicine with integrative therapies such as mind-body techniques and acupuncture backed by research findings. In his research, Dr. Lee aims to push forward the field of integrative oncology medicine by searching for new cancer medicines based on plants such as European mistletoe and mushrooms. He hopes to introduce clinical trials into mind-body approaches such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, acupuncture and massage, as well as evaluate the cancer-fighting potential of herbs and supplements.