Towards the use of cannabinoids as antitumour agents
Guillermo Velasco1, Cristina Sánchez, Manuel Guzmán
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, and the Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid 28040, Spain. gvd@bbm1.ucm.es
Abstract:
Various reports have shown that cannabinoids (the active components of marijuana and their derivatives) can reduce tumour growth and progression in animal models of cancer, in addition to their well-known palliative effects on some cancer-associated symptoms. This Opinion article discusses our current understanding of cannabinoids as antitumour agents, focusing on recent insights into the molecular mechanisms of action, including emerging resistance mechanisms and opportunities for combination therapy approaches. Such knowledge is required for the optimization of preclinical cannabinoid-based therapies and for the preliminary clinical testing that is currently underway.
Insights
Cannabinoids show promise in reducing tumor growth in preclinical cancer models. Further research into their molecular mechanisms and combination therapies is crucial for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
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