Cancer Care Article

CBD as a Physiological Modulator for Cancer

Source: 
https://restorativemedicine.org

Link: 
https://restorativemedicine.org/journal/cbd-physiological-modulator-cancer/

The current standard-of-care treatment regimens for cancer frequently have serious and irreversible adverse effects. Ideally, therapeutic modalities should help control symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life while causing minimal or no toxic effects. In this regard, it is worth examining cannabidiol (CBD) for its potential anticancer properties. CBD may possess antitumor activity through several mechanisms, including regulating reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, and immune modulation. In addition, pre-clinical studies indicate that CBD is a potential modulator of growth factors and induces apoptosis in tumor cells. This review summarizes the evidence regarding the effects of CBD as a non-toxic adjuvant in cancer care.

Article Summary:
CBD may have analgesic, antinausea, and anxiolytic properties that could be useful to cancer treatment patients. Pre-clinical studies suggest CBD may also have anticancer activity through various mechanisms. It has been found to inhibit the release of exosomes from tumor cells that contribute to their malignancy and growth. In addition, CBD can be used to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy. Studies have also shown that CBD may lower the toxicity of some cancer chemotherapeutic compounds and may have a synergistic effect when combined with chemotherapy. Considering that most currently available treatment options for cancer are invasive and have harsh adverse effects, it must be a priority that we examine new, safer alternatives to enhance conventional cancer care. The pre-clinical evidence for CBD in cancer warrants further clinical trials. Some prospective randomized trials are underway.