Biosensing technologies for cannabinoid monitoring in pain management: Current methods, clinical needs, and translational challenges.
Portable electrochemical sensors and compact optical platforms may soon be useful for cannabinoid monitoring, but many technologies still need validation in real patient samples.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the dsip corpusSummary and findings
This review addresses cannabinoid detection strategies for pain management, focusing on various biosensing technologies. It evaluates the performance of these methods in relation to clinical needs and therapeutic drug monitoring. The findings highlight the limitations in current biosensor validation and the need for further research.
Abstract
Cannabinoids such as Δ<sup>9</sup>-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are increasingly explored for chronic and neuropathic pain management. Still, their clinical use remains limited by variable formulations, uncertain therapeutic ranges, and insufficient concentration-response evidence. Although many cannabinoid detection platforms have been reported, few reviews connect biosensor performance with the clinical requirements of pain management monitoring and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This review summarizes current cannabinoid detection strategies, including conventional analytical methods (such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy), as well as biosensing platforms such as electrochemical sensors, colorimetric sensors, optical and fluorescence-based platforms, immunoassays, novel material-based sensors, and receptor- or cell-based biological methods. We compare these platforms in terms of target analytes, biological matrices, analytical performance, validation status, and clinical feasibility. Current evidence suggests that portable electrochemical sensors and compact optical/immunoassay platforms are the most promising near-term candidates for point-of-care translation. However, most reported biosensors remain preliminary and require validation in authentic patient samples, comparison with reference methods, improved reproducibility and stability, and stronger links between cannabinoid concentrations, therapeutic response, and adverse effects before routine clinical TDM use.
Background
This paper addresses the clinical need for effective cannabinoid monitoring in pain management, particularly for chronic and neuropathic pain. Previous studies have explored cannabinoids like THC and CBD, but their clinical application is limited due to inconsistent formulations and unclear therapeutic ranges. The review is significant as it connects biosensor performance with the clinical requirements for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Methods
The review summarizes various cannabinoid detection strategies, including conventional analytical methods such as chromatography and mass spectrometry, alongside biosensing platforms like electrochemical sensors and immunoassays. It evaluates these methods based on target analytes, biological matrices, analytical performance, and clinical feasibility. No specific n, dose, or duration is reported as this is a review rather than an original study.
Results
The review indicates that portable electrochemical sensors and compact optical/immunoassay platforms show promise for near-term point-of-care translation. However, it emphasizes that most biosensing technologies are still in preliminary stages and lack validation in authentic patient samples.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while there is potential for biosensing technologies in cannabinoid monitoring, the effect sizes and clinical significance remain uncertain due to the preliminary nature of the studies reviewed. The limitations include a lack of robust validation and the need for stronger evidence linking cannabinoid concentrations to therapeutic outcomes. This implies that practitioners should remain cautious in adopting these technologies until further validation is achieved.
Key findings
- Current evidence suggests that portable electrochemical sensors and compact optical/immunoassay platforms are the most promising near-term candidates for point-of-care translation.
- Most reported biosensors remain preliminary and require validation in authentic patient samples.
- There is a need for improved reproducibility and stability of biosensing platforms.
- Stronger links between cannabinoid concentrations, therapeutic response, and adverse effects are required before routine clinical TDM use.
Limitations
- Most reported biosensors remain preliminary.
- Lack of validation in authentic patient samples.
- Need for improved reproducibility and stability.
- Insufficient links between cannabinoid concentrations and therapeutic responses.