Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Lichen Simplex Chronicus Successfully Treated with Topical Cannabinoid Oil: A Case Report and Summary of Cannabinoids in Dermatology

Abstract

Cannabidiol is a member of the cannabinoids, consisting of a diverse class of compounds derived from Cannabis sativa. There are three types of cannabinoids based on origin: endocannabinoids (endogenous), phytocannabinoids (plant-derived), and synthetic cannabinoids (synthesized). The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in skin homeostasis, such as proliferation, differentiation, and inflammatory signaling. A 64-year-old woman with a history of multiple squamous cell carcinomas who presented with skin lesions on her bilateral dorsal hands is reported. Her skin biopsies showed lichen simplex chronicus on her left hand and squamous cell carcinoma on her right hand; both lesions resolved with topical application of 20% cannabidiol. Cutaneous adverse events associated with cannabinoid use and potential therapeutic uses of cannabinoids in inflammatory skin diseases and skin cancer are also summarized.

Cannabis Science and Therapeutics: An Overview for Clinicians

“…113 Cannabis-based topical compounds have been helpful in the treatment of seborrheic keratitis, psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer, and pruritus. 111,[114][115][116] There are increasing reports of successful treatment of various skin conditions using THC and CBD topical preparations. 117 Another area of therapeutic promise for topical cannabinoids is wound healing.…”

“…By interacting with numerous receptors, including CB1, CB2, peroxisome proliferator‐activated nuclear receptors, and TRP channels, cannabinoids modulate vital processes to support the skin barrier, including anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective cellular effects 113 . Cannabis‐based topical compounds have been helpful in the treatment of seborrheic keratitis, psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer, and pruritus 111,114–116 . There are increasing reports of successful treatment of various skin conditions using THC and CBD topical preparations 117 .…”

Der Nutzen von Cannabis in der Krebstherapie

“…Auch Kollegen aus Kalifornien berichteten über die erfolgreiche Behandlung eines Hautkrebses, in diesem Fall mit einem lokal aufgetragenen 20%igen CBD-Extrakt 11 . Eine 64-jährige Frau mit multiplen Plattenepithelkarzinomen in der Vorgeschichte stellte sich mit Hautläsionen an beiden Handrücken vor.…”

The Skin and Natural Cannabinoids–Topical and Transdermal Applications

“…In vivo studies demonstrated that, individually or combined, cannabinoids may reduce tumor growth or tumor cell proliferation and promote apoptosis and autophagy in melanoma cells, emerging as potential agents for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma [ 55 ]. Lichen simplex chronicus and multiple cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lesions have completely regressed with the topical application of 20% CBD oil [ 56 ]. Psoriasis, which emphasizes two clinical manifestations, psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis, is the most common autoimmune skin disease that currently affects about 4% of the population [ 51 ].…”