Cannabinoids in Urology. Which Benign Conditions Might They Be Appropriate to Treat: A Systematic Review

Urology. 2021 Feb:148:8-25. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.10.024. Epub 2020 Oct 28.

Abstract

There is growing evidence suggesting cannabinoids may provide suitable alternatives to conventional treatments in an increasing number of clinical settings. This review evaluates how cannabinoids are used to treat certain benign urological pathologies and to clarify the clinical value of this data. This review includes 62 papers and was undertaken per PRISMA's guidelines, it evidences the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in the management of specific benign urological diseases, most notably neurogenic bladder dysfunction (clinical studies), renal disease (animal studies), and interstitial cystitis (animal studies). However, whilst cannabinoids are increasingly used, they cannot be considered reliable alternatives to more recognised treatments.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Bias
  • Cannabinoids / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cystitis
  • Cystitis, Interstitial / drug therapy
  • Endometriosis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / drug therapy
  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications
  • Pelvic Pain / drug therapy
  • Prostatitis / drug therapy
  • Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / drug therapy
  • Urologic Diseases / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Cannabinoids