The use of cannabinoids as anticancer agents

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cannabinoids are recognized for palliative effects on cancer symptoms.
• Recent evidence suggests cannabinoids can inhibit tumor growth in preclinical models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the anticancer effects of cannabinoids.
• To explore mechanisms of action, resistance, and future therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on cannabinoid anticancer effects.
• Analysis of molecular pathways involved in cannabinoid action.

Main Results:

• Cannabinoids activate ER-stress pathways, inducing autophagy-mediated cancer cell death.
• Cannabinoids inhibit tumor angiogenesis and cancer cell migration.
• Mechanisms of resistance and combination therapy strategies are under investigation.

Conclusions:

• Cannabinoids demonstrate significant potential as anticancer agents.
• Further research is paving the way for clinical trials of cannabinoid-based cancer therapies.