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

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.