Researchers are delving into the potential of cannabis to treat cancer, spurred by initial findings that suggest cannabinoids—active compounds in cannabis—may possess anti-cancer properties. However, translating these properties into effective treatments presents significant challenges, according to experts in the field.
Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most well-known. While THC is famous for its psychoactive effects, both compounds have attracted scientific interest for their potential medicinal benefits. Notably, synthetic versions of THC are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to manage chemotherapy-induced nausea.
The interest in cannabinoids has extended into cancer research, particularly after preclinical studies showed that these compounds could inhibit tumor growth in laboratory settings, including specific cancers like breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. These studies typically involve direct application of cannabinoids to cancer cells or tumor-bearing mice.
Dr. Wai Liu, a senior research fellow at St George’s, University of London, affirmed the anticancer properties of cannabis in an interview with Live Science. “Cannabinoids have demonstrated the ability to interfere with cancer cells’ molecular pathways, potentially leading to new therapeutic avenues,” Liu explained. However, he noted the substantial gap between laboratory findings and clinical application, highlighting the complexities of adapting these results to patient treatments.
The clinical translation of these findings has been limited, with only a handful of trials progressing to human studies. One notable effort focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer with limited treatment options. Early trials, including a 2006 study where THC was injected directly into brain tumors, showed promising results but were constrained by small sample sizes.
A more recent trial in 2021 involved 27 glioblastoma patients who used a mouth spray containing a mix of CBD and THC alongside chemotherapy. This study found that a higher proportion of patients using the cannabinoid spray survived beyond one year compared to those who did not use the spray.
Despite these encouraging outcomes, the exact impact of cannabinoids on tumor growth remains under investigation. Dr. Susan Short, who led the 2021 study, emphasized the need for further research to confirm these findings and explore how cannabinoids can be effectively integrated into standard cancer treatments.
Researchers are also cautious about the application of their findings. Dr. Brooke Worster of Thomas Jefferson University warned against forgoing conventional cancer treatments in favor of unproven therapies. “It’s crucial that patients adhere to validated treatment protocols while we explore the potential of new therapies like cannabinoids,” she advised.
As research continues, the scientific community remains optimistic yet cautious, acknowledging the potential of cannabinoids in cancer treatment while recognizing the need for extensive testing to ensure their efficacy and safety. The next few years will be critical in determining whether these compounds can move from the laboratory to the clinic, offering new hope for cancer patients.