Application of Cannabis in Cancer Treatment: A Review
Researchers hailing from six nations have collaboratively conducted a review that presents encouraging signs of the application of cannabis in cancer treatment strategies. Their study suggests that cannabinoids like delta-9 THC, CBD, and cannabigerol (CBG) can potentially restrict the growth and spread of cancer cells. Nonetheless, issues such as regulatory restrictions and dosage optimization pose challenges in integrating cannabis into cancer therapy.
The Study Details
The detailed results of this study have been made available to the public in the special edition of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the JNCI Monographs. The review included English-language research papers, review articles, and meta analyses on cannabinoids’ anticancer properties. These range across in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial research.
Need for Further Research
While the results seem promising, it’s agreed upon by the researchers that a more intensive study needs to be carried out to understand the precise anticancer mechanisms of cannabinoids completely. To substantiate these findings and arrive at standard therapeutic guidelines, researchers believe large-scale, randomized control trials are unequivocally important.
Renewed Interest in Cannabinoids
Conventionally obtained from plants or synthesized in labs, cannabinoids demonstrate potential medicinal application in various health conditions inclusive of cancer. The renewed interest in the therapeutic application of cannabinoids has fuelled further research, leading to an increase in their use in treating a diverse range of medical conditions, notably cancer.
Cannabis in Palliative Care
The review further examines the use of cannabis in palliative care, and its role for individuals undergoing chemotherapy. The significance of cannabinoids in palliative care revolves around the regulation of appetite, pain management as well as anti-nausea application. Cannabinoids also seem to work in synergy with chemotherapy, amplifying its effects.
Cannabinoids and Chemotherapy
According to the report, “Cannabinoids, such as CBD and delta-9 THC, can trigger apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation and possibly amplify the susceptibility of cancer cells to chemotherapy-induced cell death by augmenting the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapy via various mechanisms.”
Specific Study on Multiple Myeloma
A specific study highlighted in the review reveals cannabinoids’ anticancer properties against multiple myeloma (MM). The cannabinoids CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBDV seem to have a cytotoxic effect on myeloma cell lines, thereby positioning them as viable anticancer agents for MM treatment. Thus, an in-depth understanding of cannabinoids’ characteristics and mechanisms could be instrumental in harnessing their potential benefits in cancer treatment and therapy.