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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
07:41

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis

Published on: March 8, 2022

The Relationship Between (Endo)cannabinoids, the Microbiome and Melanoma

Farideh A Javid1, Marin Golčić2, Anja Harej Hrkać3

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK.

Pharmacology Research & Perspectives
|August 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Cannabinoids show potential as a novel melanoma treatment, offering a new therapeutic option alongside immunotherapy. Research is exploring non-psychoactive compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) for cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Melanoma treatment faces challenges with drug resistance and adverse effects from current therapies.
  • Cannabinoids exhibit preclinical evidence of cytotoxic effects on various cancer cells.
  • Regulatory changes in the UK (2018) reclassified cannabis-based products, stimulating further research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the relationship between the cannabinoid system and the microbiome in metastatic melanoma patients undergoing immunotherapy.
  • To provide background on cannabinoid system function in healthy and diseased skin.
  • To explore future directions for cannabinoids as an adjunct cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of research on the endocannabinoid system's role in skin cancer.
  • Examination of the interplay between cannabinoids and the microbiome.

Main Results:

  • Extensive preclinical data suggests cannabinoids possess anti-cancer properties.
  • The cannabinoid system plays a role in both normal skin physiology and melanoma.
  • The microbiome's interaction with cannabinoids in melanoma is an emerging area of research.

Conclusions:

  • Cannabinoids, particularly non-psychoactive compounds like CBD and CBG, represent a promising avenue for melanoma treatment.
  • Further research is warranted to investigate cannabinoids as an adjunct therapy to enhance immunotherapy and chemotherapy efficacy.
  • Understanding the cannabinoid-microbiome axis may unlock novel therapeutic strategies for melanoma.
Keywords:
cannabinoidsgut microbiomemelanomaskin cancer

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