Summary
cannabinoids, the active components of cannabis sativa L. act in the body by endogenous substances - imitate that activate specific receptors on the cell surface - the endocannabinoids. Cannabinoids exert palliative effects in cancer patients. For example, they inhibit chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, stimulating appetite and relieving pain. In addition, cannabinoids inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals. This is done by influencing important cell signaling pathways leading to the induction of anti-tumor effects such as the apoptotic death of tumor cells and the inhibition of blood vessel formation in tumors. It is of interest, cannabinoids seem to have selective anti-tumor substances because they can kill tumor cells without affecting the viability of its non-GM counterparts significantly. Based on these preclinical findings, a recent pilot clinical trial of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme performed. The satisfactory safety profile of THC could deliver together with its possible growth-inhibiting effect on tumor cells is the basis for future studies to explore the possible anti-tumor activity of cannabinoids.
Keywords: cannabinoid receptor, tumor, cancer, apoptosis, Angiogenesis, experimental therapies, clinical study.Cannabinoids: potential anticancer drugs?
Manuel Guzman Cannabinoids
2006 1 (2) :17-20 (10.12.2006)
0 comments:
Post a Comment