The potential of cannabis as a cancer treatment is based on research into chemicals called cannabinoids that can affect different parts of the body. Cannabinoids can help treat symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer treatments, such as nausea and vomiting, pain, and loss of appetite.
Some cannabinoids may also slow the growth of some types of cancer in lab experiments and animal models. However, no clinical trials have yet shown that cannabinoids can cure cancer.
Cannabinoids
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is considered to be a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment. It is a system in which cannabinoid receptors are activated by agonistic compounds that act as an anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative agent. As such, it is a promising therapeutic approach to combat cancer and improve the life quality of patients.
Currently, there is a large body of data suggesting that cannabinoid-mediated inhibition of tumour cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis as well as chemoresistance and induction of apoptosis and autophagy may exert a significant impact on the course of cancer. These effects are mediated through a variety of signal transduction mechanisms.
For example, CB2 receptor agonists have been shown to inhibit cell growth at the G1/S transition in melanoma cells by upregulating the prosurvival protein Akt and decreasing its phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb) tumour suppressor protein. The effect is dependent on the specific interaction of WIN 55,212-2 and the CB2 cannabinoid receptor.
In addition, cannabinoids have been shown to inhibit glioma cell invasion and metastasis via down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression [29]. This mechanism may be the basis for the induction of cellular immune responses against gliomas in animal models.
Another important mechanism of action for the ant-cancer properties of cannabinoids is the anti-inflammatory effect that can be induced by activation of non-CB1/CB2 receptors, including TRPV1, GPR55, PPARg and GPR18. These receptors are associated with a number of physiological functions, such as pain and inflammation (O’Sullivan, 2016; Parker, 2017).
Finally, in vivo studies have shown that cannabinoids activate macrophages and neutrophils in the tumour microenvironment, resulting in an anticancer activity. This can be attributed to the ability of the compounds to modulate the immune system through cytokine production.
In addition, a number of cannabinoid compounds have been demonstrated to exhibit a synergistic effect in combination with chemotherapeutic agents and other anticancer drugs. Moreover, many preclinical studies have found that cannabinoid-mediated inhibitions of cancer cell growth may also have an impact on the overall survival of patients.
THC
Cancer is a disease that causes the uncontrolled growth of cells, resulting in damage to DNA and defects in cell cycle and apoptosis (programmed cell death). Cannabinoid-based compounds have shown the potential for treating many cancers, as well as alleviating their symptoms.
THC and CBD have been studied in labs for a long time, and some research has found that they can inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer. Some of these studies have been very positive, but more is needed to know if cannabis-based medicines can help treat cancer in humans.
People who are going through chemotherapy treatment often have nausea and vomiting, and cannabis-based oils can help control these effects. They may also be useful for patients who are suffering from pain, appetite loss, and sleep problems.
Researchers have also found that THC and CBD can stop cancer cells from spreading, which can reduce the chance of the disease coming back. Some researchers are interested in trying to use these drugs in clinical trials.
Several studies have shown that THC can inhibit tumor growth by inducing apoptosis (programmed death) in cancer cells. This apoptosis is triggered by cannabinoid-based compounds and can be caused by the activation of the CB1 or CB2 receptors.
These chemicals can also bind to a special type of receptor called the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS), which is found throughout the body. This network helps to regulate your emotions, behavior, and memory.
When THC binds to these receptors, it can change how your brain works, including decreasing pain and increasing your appetite. It can also reduce muscle spasticity, tremors and sleep disturbances.
The ECS is also linked to the immune system, so THC can influence your body’s ability to fight infection and autoimmune disease. This makes it a possible treatment for people with chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The FDA has approved a plant-based marijuana drug called Epidiolex that contains a high concentration of CBD. It is used to treat seizures in two rare and severe forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
CBD
Cannabis, a plant that contains compounds called cannabinoids, has been used for many medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The drug has been a subject of scientific research for the past few decades, and some studies suggest that it may be able to treat certain types of cancer.
There are some benefits to using CBD in this way, but there are also potential risks and side effects. Those who are interested in trying it should choose a high-quality product that clearly states that the product has been tested and uses good manufacturing practices, or GMP.
In addition to its potential to help reduce the pain of cancer, CBD may also help prevent nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy treatments. However, more studies need to be done before we can know whether these benefits are worth the risk of side effects.
CBD interacts with the body’s own endocannabinoids, which play a role in nerve function, emotion, energy metabolism, pain and inflammation, sleep and immune function. It also interacts with different signalling pathways in the body, including those that are involved in cancer cell growth and remission.
Researchers have found that CBD inhibits cell proliferation in several types of cancer cells and suppresses xenograft tumor growth. Moreover, it can activate CB and TRPV receptors, which is associated with the suppression of ROS production and apoptosis.
This anticancer effect is largely due to the inhibition of a number of different enzymes, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), TIMP-1, p42/44 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-g (PPAR-g) expression. It may also reduce the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta).
Unlike THC, which can cause intense euphoria, CBD is non-intoxicating and therefore well tolerated by patients, allowing it to be used more regularly for cancer treatment. It also has a favorable safety profile and is generally well accepted by the public.
Side effects
Cancer patients often experience a wide range of side effects from their treatment, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and pain. These symptoms can be difficult to control, and some patients find relief from cannabis.
The main psychoactive chemicals found in cannabis are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These chemicals may act in the brain and immune system to produce drug-like effects.
In cell cultures and animal models, THC and CBD have been shown to reduce the growth of some cancers. But these studies are limited, and there is no proof that they can cure any type of cancer.
However, some research suggests that cannabis oil could help kill cancer cells by triggering the body’s natural process of apoptosis. Apoptosis is a type of cell death that occurs in response to a specific signal from the body.
One study of melanoma patients showed that those who used THC extract in combination with nivolumab, an FDA-approved medication, had a significantly better response rate than those who received nivolumab alone. Researchers believe that this was because THC and CBD together inhibit the growth of the cancer cells and reduce their ability to spread.
THC and CBD are also effective against ovarian, hepatic, breast and prostate cancers in animal models. This means they can be combined with chemotherapy to treat these diseases, though more long-term studies are needed.
Cannabis can be taken in many different ways, including as a tincture, an oil or an edible. Eating marijuana can be a good way to get the benefits of the plant, but it also can cause some side effects such as stomach upset and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Several states in the United States have medical cannabis programs where people can obtain a prescription to buy cannabis at dispensaries. These programs are designed to allow patients to use the medication safely and legally while complying with state laws.
The first step is getting a certification, which requires a physician to evaluate the patient’s situation and recommend the right medication. A social worker will help the patient through the process of cost, payment and dispensary access.
