Revolutionary Discovery: Cannabinoids in the Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of disease-related deaths among women. According to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), there were 313,000 cases in 2020 alone, making it the 8th deadliest disease worldwide. It is no wonder that researchers are seeking solutions to combat this disease every day. 

This is the case for researchers Dr. Hinanit Koltai and Dr. Bruce Kendall from the Volcani Institute in Israel, who have shed light on the potential of cannabinoid-based therapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer through their research. 

In a presentation titled "The Anticancer Activity of Cannabinoids Against Ovarian Cancer Involves the WNT Pathway," Dr. Koltai shared promising findings on the use of cannabinoids in the fight against a disease that continues to pose a significant threat to women's health. 

The journey to this innovative research began with the tragic personal experience of Bruce Kendall and his wife Michelle, who lost her battle against ovarian cancer in 2021. Their desperate search for solutions led them to Dr. Koltai and cutting-edge research on cannabinoids. 

"Michelle's last wish was for us to find a cure for this disease, and we are committed to honoring that request," Kendall shared. 

Dr. Koltai and her team's findings revealed that certain phytocannabinoids, previously uninvestigated in relation to ovarian cancer, possess anticancer activity. Specifically, they identified a cannabis strain called Dairy Queen (DQ), with a high concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which proved effective against ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, a combination of THC, cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG) demonstrated greater efficacy than isolated THC or the full extract. 

The research also highlighted the importance of using cannabinoids in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy treatments, such as Niraparib. However, the combination with Gemcitabine did not yield positive results. 

While the research has made significant progress in preclinical studies, the next crucial step involves clinical trials to prove the efficacy of this promising therapy. Dr. Koltai expressed her active search for additional funding, estimating that $5 million will be needed to continue these tests. The clinical trials are expected to take place in Israel and other countries, aiming to establish cannabis as a complementary treatment for ovarian cancer, without replacing conventional treatments. 

Dr. Koltai's discoveries and her partnership with Dr. Kendall represent a remarkable advancement in the search for effective treatments against ovarian cancer, a disease that continues to challenge modern medicine. With hope, the future results of these clinical trials will open new horizons in the treatment of this devastating illness, fulfilling the promise made to Michelle Kendall to find a cure for all women facing this disease.