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Related Concept Videos

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids01:21

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
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mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

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The mTOR pathway or the...

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Related Experiment Videos

Update on the endocannabinoid system as an anticancer target.

Anna Maria Malfitano1, Elena Ciaglia, Giuseppina Gangemi

  • 1University of Salerno, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|January 20, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Targeting the endocannabinoid system (ECS) shows promise for cancer treatment. Research highlights compounds that modulate cannabinoid receptors or inhibit degradation enzymes, offering new antitumor strategies with reduced side effects.

Related Experiment Videos

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Endocannabinoid System Research

Background:

  • The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is increasingly recognized as a potential target for cancer therapy.
  • The ECS, comprising cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands, and enzymes, plays a role in cancer cell proliferation.
  • Existing research indicates the ECS involvement in both in vitro and in vivo cancer growth models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature from the past decade on targeting the ECS for cancer treatment.
  • To discuss the expression of endocannabinoids and their receptors in various cancers.
  • To explore signaling pathways and therapeutic compounds related to ECS-driven antitumor effects.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies published in the last 10 years.
  • Analysis of endocannabinoid levels and receptor expression in different cancer types.
  • Evaluation of signaling pathways implicated in antitumor effects.
  • Assessment of clinical data on existing and novel compounds.

Main Results:

  • The ECS demonstrates significant involvement in cancer cell growth.
  • Specific endocannabinoids and receptor expression patterns are associated with various cancers.
  • Signaling pathways influenced by the ECS contribute to antitumor effects.
  • Various compounds targeting the ECS show potential therapeutic benefits and associated side effects.

Conclusions:

  • Future antitumor therapies should prioritize compounds with lower psychoactivity, potentially by targeting the CB2 receptor or non-psychoactive CB1 ligands.
  • Agents that activate cannabinoid receptors or inhibit enzymes like fatty acid amide hydrolase may impact tumor growth.
  • Further research is needed on downstream effects of ECS modulation to identify additional therapeutic targets.