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Published on: December 29, 2021
Hypothesis: cannabinoid therapy for the treatment of gliomas?
Guillermo Velasco1, Ismael Galve-Roperh, Cristina Sánchez
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, Avenida Complutense, sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Gliomas, in particular glioblastoma multiforme or grade IV astrocytoma, are the most frequent class of malignant primary brain tumours and one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. Current therapeutic strategies for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme are usually ineffective or just palliative. During the last few years, several studies have shown that cannabinoids-the active components of the plant Cannabis sativa and their derivatives--slow the growth of different types of tumours, including gliomas, in laboratory animals. Cannabinoids induce apoptosis of glioma cells in culture via sustained ceramide accumulation, extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and Akt inhibition. In addition, cannabinoid treatment inhibits angiogenesis of gliomas in vivo. Remarkably, cannabinoids kill glioma cells selectively and can protect non-transformed glial cells from death. These and other findings reviewed here might set the basis for a potential use of cannabinoids in the management of gliomas.
Insights
Cannabinoids, active compounds from Cannabis sativa, show promise in slowing glioma growth. These compounds selectively induce apoptosis in glioma cells while protecting normal cells, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gliomas, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (grade IV astrocytoma), are aggressive primary brain tumors with limited treatment options.
- Current therapies for glioblastoma multiforme are often palliative, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Cannabinoids, derived from Cannabis sativa, have demonstrated anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of cannabinoids as a therapeutic agent for glioma treatment.
- To summarize the mechanisms by which cannabinoids affect glioma cells and tumor growth.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing laboratory and in vivo studies on cannabinoid effects on gliomas.
- Analysis of molecular pathways involved in cannabinoid-induced glioma cell death and angiogenesis inhibition.
Main Results:
- Cannabinoids slow glioma growth in animal models.
- Cannabinoids induce apoptosis in cultured glioma cells through ceramide accumulation, ERK activation, and Akt inhibition.
- Cannabinoid treatment inhibits glioma angiogenesis in vivo.
- Cannabinoids exhibit selective toxicity towards glioma cells, sparing normal glial cells.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoids demonstrate selective anti-glioma activity and inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis.
- The findings support the potential use of cannabinoids in managing gliomas, including glioblastoma multiforme.
- Further research into cannabinoid-based therapies for brain tumors is warranted.
