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Updated: Nov 10, 2025
The Clinical Application of Tumor Treating Fields Therapy in Glioblastoma
Published on: April 16, 2019
Efficacy of cannabinoids against glioblastoma multiforme: A systematic review
Ismini Kyriakou1, Niousha Yarandi1, Elena Polycarpou1
1School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK.
Introduction:
The increased incidence of Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most aggressive and most common primary brain tumour, is evident worldwide. Survival rates are reaching only 15 months due to its high recurrence and resistance to current combination therapies including oncotomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Light has been shed in the recent years on the anticancer properties of cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa.
Objective:
To determine whether cannabinoids alone or in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy inhibit tumour progression, induce cancer cell death, inhibit metastasis and invasiveness and the mechanisms that underlie these actions.
Method:
PubMed and Web of Science were used for a systemic search to find studies on the anticancer effects of natural cannabinoids on glioma cancer cells in vitro and/or in vivo.
Results:
A total of 302 papers were identified, of which 14 studies were found to fit the inclusion criteria. 5 studies were conducted in vitro, 2 in vivo and 7 were both in vivo and in vitro. 3 studies examined the efficacy of CBD, THC and TMZ, 1 study examined CBD and radiation, 2 studies examined efficacy of THC only and 3 studies examined the efficacy of CBD only. 1 study examined the efficacy of CBD, THC and radiotherapy, 2 studies examined the combination of CBD and THC and 2 more studies examined the efficacy of CBD and TMZ.
Conclusion:
The evidence in this systematic review leads to the conclusion that cannabinoids possess anticancer potencies against glioma cells, however this effect varies with the combinations and dosages used. Studies so far were conducted on cells in culture and on mice as well as a small number of studies that were conducted on humans. Hence in order to have more accurate results, higher quality studies mainly including human clinical trials with larger sample sizes are necessitated urgently for GBM treatment.
Insights
Cannabinoids show anticancer effects against glioma cells, but efficacy varies with dosage and combinations. Further human clinical trials are needed to confirm their potential for Glioblastoma Multiforme treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cannabinoid research
Background:
- Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor survival rates.
- Current therapies (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) show limited efficacy due to tumor recurrence and resistance.
- Cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa exhibit potential anticancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the anticancer effects of cannabinoids on glioma cells.
- To investigate their efficacy alone or in combination with standard therapies.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of action.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science databases.
- Inclusion of studies on natural cannabinoids targeting glioma cells in vitro and/or in vivo.
- Analysis of 14 selected studies based on predefined criteria.
Main Results:
- 14 studies met inclusion criteria, with varying experimental designs (in vitro, in vivo, combined).
- Specific cannabinoids (CBD, THC) and combinations (with chemotherapy/radiotherapy) were evaluated.
- Evidence suggests cannabinoids inhibit tumor progression and induce cancer cell death.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoids demonstrate anticancer potential against glioma cells.
- Efficacy is dependent on specific cannabinoid combinations and dosages.
- High-quality human clinical trials with larger sample sizes are urgently required for GBM treatment validation.
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