Combinatorial approach of cannabidiol and active-targeted-mediated photodynamic therapy in malignant melanoma
Nkune Williams Nkune1, Heidi Abrahamse1
1Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa.
Abstract:
Malignant melanoma (MM) continues to claim millions of lives around the world due to its limited therapeutic alternatives. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained popularity in cancer treatment due it increased potency and low off-target toxicity. Studies have pointed out that the heterogeneity of MM tumours reduces the efficacy of current therapeutic approaches, including PDT, leading to high chances of recurrences post-treatment. Accumulating evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive derivative of cannabis, can synergise with various anticancer agents to increase their efficacy. However, CBD demonstrates low bioavailability, which is attributed to factors relating to poor water compatibility, poor absorption and rapid metabolism. Nanotechnology offers tools that address these issues and enhance the biological efficiency and targeted specificity of anticancer agents. Herein, we highlighted the standard therapeutic modalities of MM and their pitfalls, as well as pointed out the need for further investigation into PDT combination therapy with CBD.
Insights
Malignant melanoma (MM) treatment faces challenges due to tumor heterogeneity. Combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) with cannabidiol (CBD) shows promise, but CBD
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma (MM) presents limited therapeutic options and high recurrence rates due to tumor heterogeneity.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising cancer treatment with high potency and low toxicity.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) can enhance anticancer agent efficacy but suffers from poor bioavailability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current MM therapies and their limitations.
- To explore the potential of combining PDT with CBD for improved MM treatment.
- To highlight the role of nanotechnology in overcoming CBD's bioavailability issues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MM therapeutic modalities.
- Analysis of existing research on PDT and CBD in cancer treatment.
- Discussion of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems.
Main Results:
- Current MM treatments, including PDT, are hampered by tumor heterogeneity, leading to recurrences.
- CBD shows synergistic potential with anticancer agents, but its clinical application is limited by poor bioavailability.
- Nanotechnology offers a viable strategy to enhance CBD's delivery and efficacy.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies for MM.
- Combining PDT with CBD, enhanced by nanotechnology, represents a promising avenue for MM treatment.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the efficacy and safety of this combination therapy.
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