Study analyzes how cannabis compounds interact with common cancers

Between challenging diagnoses and intensive treatments, science continues to seek paths that expand care possibilities in cancer. A recent review analyzes how cannabis compounds can act on the cellular mechanisms of breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, three of the most incident types worldwide. Learn more:

How cannabinoids interact with tumor cells

The study examines evidence on the action of phytocannabinoids—especially tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)—in the so-called endocannabinoid system, present in various functions of the human body.
 

This system is also expressed in tumor cells, which opens up space for investigations into possible antitumor effects.

In breast cancer, preclinical research indicates that cannabinoids can stimulate apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death, as well as reduce the proliferation and migration capacity of cancer cells. In animal models, the activation of cannabinoid receptors was associated with a decrease in tumor growth.

In colorectal cancer, CBD demonstrated potential to reduce the viability of chemotherapy-resistant cells and interfere with inflammatory processes and the formation of new blood vessels, mechanisms directly linked to tumor progression.

Regarding prostate cancer, the authors highlight that the high expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors in malignant cells favors the action of cannabinoids, which showed antiproliferative, anti-invasive, and apoptosis-inducing effects in laboratory studies.

Promising advances, but still in the research field

Despite encouraging results, the review reinforces that most of the available evidence comes from in vitro studies or animal models. This means that larger and controlled clinical trials in humans are still needed to confirm safety, efficacy, optimal dosages, and possible interactions with conventional oncological therapies.

Learn More

Cannabis against cancer: meta-analysis reinforces therapeutic potential

From pain to relief: when cannabis becomes an ally in cancer treatment
 

Today, the use of cannabis is already recognized mainly as a tool for palliative care, helping to control pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and sleep disorders in oncology patients. 

However, the analyzed data indicate that the plant's role may go beyond symptom relief, sparking scientific interest in its possible direct action in cancer biological processes.

As new research advances, experts emphasize that cannabis does not replace established treatments, but may, in the future, integrate complementary strategies, always with medical supervision and based on scientific evidence.