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Emerging therapeutic targets in cancer induced bone disease: A focus on the peripheral type 2 cannabinoid receptor

Silvia Marino1, Aymen I Idris1

  • 1Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK.

Pharmacological Research
|March 10, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The type 2 cannabinoid (Cnr2) receptor plays a role in bone cancer and pain. Targeting Cnr2 may reduce skeletal complications from cancer, offering a potential new therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Skeletal Biology

Background:

  • Skeletal complications are a significant cause of morbidity in primary bone cancer and bone metastasis patients.
  • The type 2 cannabinoid (Cnr2) receptor is involved in cancer progression, bone metabolism, and pain signaling.
  • Cnr2's role in regulating tumor-bone cell interactions suggests therapeutic potential for skeletal complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the Cnr2 receptor in skeletal tumor growth, osteolysis, and bone pain.
  • To identify knowledge gaps and unmet needs in Cnr2-targeted cancer therapies.
  • To advocate for the development of Cnr2-selective ligands for treating skeletal complications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating the Cnr2 receptor in cancer and bone.
  • Analysis of preclinical data on Cnr2's involvement in tumor-bone interactions.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of the endocannabinoid system in cancer metastasis.

Main Results:

  • The Cnr2 receptor is implicated in regulating tumor-bone cell interactions, osteolysis, and cancer-related bone pain.
  • Targeting Cnr2 shows promise for reducing skeletal complications in metastatic cancer.
  • Further research is needed to understand the endocannabinoid system's role in cancer metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • Development of peripherally-acting, Cnr2-selective ligands is crucial for preclinical testing.
  • Such agents could lead to safer, cannabis-based therapies for advanced cancer patients.
  • Selective Cnr2 ligands represent a novel alternative to cannabis extracts for treating cancer-related skeletal issues.
Keywords:
BoneCB2CancerCnr2OsteoblastOsteoclastOsteolysisOsteoporosis

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