Cannabidiol on the Path from the Lab to the Cancer Patient: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychotropic component of cannabis, is receiving growing attention as a potential anticancer agent. CBD suppresses the development of cancer in both in vitro (cancer cell culture) and in vivo (xenografts in immunodeficient mice) models. For critical evaluation of the advances of CBD on its path from laboratory research to practical application, in this review, we wish to call the attention of scientists and clinicians to the following issues: (a) the biological effects of CBD in cancer and healthy cells; (b) the anticancer effects of CBD in animal models and clinical case reports; (c) CBD’s interaction with conventional anticancer drugs; (d) CBD’s potential in palliative care for cancer patients; (e) CBD’s tolerability and reported side effects; (f) CBD delivery for anticancer treatment.

Molecular Targets for Cannabinoids in Natural Killer Cells: Do They Modulate the Antitumor Activity?

“…Efforts to elucidate these mechanisms are underway, emphasizing the necessity of exploring the signaling pathways involved in cannabinoid actions and the development of innovative formulations and combinations with conventional chemotherapeutics. This approach aims to optimize the potency, efficacy, and delivery of cannabinoids as potential anticancer agents [9,15,16].…”

“…A non-psychotropic cannabinoid, CBD, was tested in most of these studies. For in vitro experiments, the cytotoxic effects of CBD were reported for micromolar concentrations, whereas a significant decrease of tumor growth in animal models was observed for 5-10 mg/kg doses [9,115]. There is multiple evidence that cannabinoids preferably affect cancer cells.…”

“…Cannabinoids demonstrate significant clinical potential in addressing cancer-related symptoms and managing pain, anorexia, neurological diseases, and sleep-related issues [5]. Furthermore, accumulating evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies supports the anticancer properties of cannabinoids against multiple cancer types [6][7][8][9].…”

“…Incorporation of cannabinoids into chemotherapeutic protocols, with a specific focus on non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids like CBD, has been recently considered by our research group [9]. Despite a lack of regulatory approval, many cancer patients turn to CBD products as dietary supplements, to alleviate complications such as pain, fatigue, and neurological disorders.…”

Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for the Separation and Enrichment of Cannabidiol from Hemp Leaf Samples

“…Initially, the function of CBD was found as an effective drug for Dravet syndrome in children. Many scientific studies demonstrate that CBD has multiple therapeutic effects, including neuroprotective, antiepileptic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticancer properties. − Nowadays, CBD has received immense attention due to the treatment or prevention COVID-19 and its complications . Therefore, the realization of CBD mass production is very significant for the research and development of new drugs.…”