The University of Oklahoma is taking a pioneering step in understanding how cannabis use might impact cancer recovery, particularly for patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancers. Led by Dr. Lurdes Queimado and Dr. Mark Mims, the study is the first of its kind and is supported by the Presbyterian Health Foundation in Oklahoma City.
The research will follow 220 adult patients from the time of their surgery through six months of cancer recovery. These surgeries, which remove tumors and reconstruct affected areas, often affect critical functions like swallowing and breathing, making recovery a complex process.
What sets this study apart is its prospective design. Instead of reviewing old patient records, researchers will track patients in real time, collecting detailed data on their cannabis use.
Preliminary research by Dr. Queimado suggests that cannabis smoking could negatively affect wound healing. Early studies on non-cancer patients indicated increased inflammation and reduced immune system function — both potential obstacles in cancer recovery. However, the effects may vary depending on how cannabis is consumed, whether through smoking, vaping, or edibles.
To explore these differences, patients will be placed into four groups: cannabis users, cannabis and tobacco users, tobacco-only users, and those who use neither. Over the six-month cancer recovery period, researchers will monitor infections, bleeding, complications, and scar healing, along with how patients consume cannabis.
Dr. Mims, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, emphasizes the timeliness of the study. “Patients come to my office and ask if cannabis will affect their reconstructive surgery outcome, and we just don’t have enough data to counsel them with confidence,” he explained. This study could provide the clarity both surgeons and patients have been seeking.
While the primary focus is on head and neck cancer patients, the potential impact of this research could extend to other surgeries and conditions. Understanding the role of cannabis in wound healing may shape recommendations for many aspects of cancer recovery, including how patients approach chemotherapy, radiation, and long-term healing.
Dr. Queimado also notes that the study’s framework could apply to other chronic diseases, where inflammation and immune function play significant roles. With so many unanswered questions, this research could open new doors for personalized medical guidance during cancer recovery and beyond.
Ultimately, the University of Oklahoma’s study aims to give patients and providers the knowledge they need to make informed decisions — helping ensure that choices made during treatment support the best possible outcomes in cancer recovery.
