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Cannabinoids in the landscape of cancer
Nagina Mangal1,2, Simon Erridge1, Nagy Habib1
1Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 0HS, UK.
Introduction:
Cannabinoids are a group of terpenophenolic compounds derived from the Cannabis sativa L. plant. There is a growing body of evidence from cell culture and animal studies in support of cannabinoids possessing anticancer properties.
Method:
A database search of peer reviewed articles published in English as full texts between January 1970 and April 2021 in Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science was undertaken. References of relevant literature were searched to identify additional studies to construct a narrative literature review of oncological effects of cannabinoids in pre-clinical and clinical studies in various cancer types.
Results:
Phyto-, endogenous and synthetic cannabinoids demonstrated antitumour effects both in vitro and in vivo. However, these effects are dependent on cancer type, the concentration and preparation of the cannabinoid and the abundance of receptor targets. The mechanism of action of synthetic cannabinoids, (-)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) has mainly been described via the traditional cannabinoid receptors; CB1 and CB2, but reports have also indicated evidence of activity through GPR55, TRPM8 and other ion channels including TRPA1, TRPV1 and TRPV2.
Conclusion:
Cannabinoids have shown to be efficacious both as a single agent and in combination with antineoplastic drugs. These effects have occurred through various receptors and ligands and modulation of signalling pathways involved in hallmarks of cancer pathology. There is a need for further studies to characterise its mode of action at the molecular level and to delineate efficacious dosage and route of administration in addition to synergistic regimes.
Insights
Cannabinoids, compounds from Cannabis sativa L., show anticancer properties in preclinical and clinical studies. Further research is needed to optimize their use as single agents or in combination therapies.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Cannabinoids are terpenophenolic compounds from Cannabis sativa L.
- Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests cannabinoids possess anticancer properties.
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on their oncological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the oncological effects of cannabinoids.
- To explore their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential in various cancer types.
- To identify gaps in current research.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted in major scientific databases (Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science).
- Peer-reviewed articles published in English between January 1970 and April 2021 were included.
- A narrative review of pre-clinical and clinical studies was constructed.
Main Results:
- Phyto-, endogenous, and synthetic cannabinoids demonstrated antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo.
- Effects are dependent on cancer type, cannabinoid preparation, and receptor expression.
- Mechanisms involve cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) and other targets like GPR55 and ion channels (TRPM8, TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV2).
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoids show efficacy as single agents and in combination with chemotherapy.
- Their action involves diverse receptors and modulation of cancer-related signaling pathways.
- Further research is required to elucidate molecular mechanisms, optimal dosing, and administration routes.
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