Although our research is preliminary, the findings are important for future studies into potential CBD and THC applications in treating ovarian tumors.
Frontiers, by Angharad Gillham
The cancerous tumors in the ovaries are dangerous and hard to treat. This is partly due to their difficulty being diagnosed early and partially because they often become resistant to drugs. Scientists searching for new treatment options have discovered two compounds that are promising in cannabis.
Both THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) can stop ovarian cancer cells reproducing, and a combination of both compounds kills existing cancer cells. These compounds need more testing to confirm their effectiveness outside the laboratory. If confirmed, they may be a new source for less-toxic and more effective treatments.
Scientists could in the future use cannabis-derived drugs to combat ovarian carcinoma. Scientists have tested the anti-cancer properties of two chemicals derived from cannabis. These findings will require more research to be translated into drug treatments that can be given to patients. However, they are an opportunity for the development of new cancer therapies.
The article in Frontiers in Pharmacology, written by Dr Siyao Tong, the lead author, states that “Ovarian Cancer remains one of most deadly gynecological cancers, characterised by late diagnosis and high rates of recurrence, as well as limited treatment options.” The goal of the study is to identify alternative drugs which can increase efficacy while reducing toxicity. This will give patients new hope in battling this difficult disease.
The combination of CBD-THC treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in ovarian carcinoma cells.
Death by illness
Most ovarian cancer patients die from this cancer. Although treatment has improved, the drugs available aren’t always effective. They also have serious side effects. We urgently need new options. Since CBD (cannabidiol, which is not psychoactive) and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is) have shown potential against other cancers, the research team decided to test them against ovarian cancer cells.
Scientists challenged two lines, one sensitive and one resistant to platinum-derived drugs, with CBD, THC, or both to test if cells survived and could replicate after the exposure. They also tested a healthy line to see if it was damaged by the compounds.
Researchers found that both types of cancer cells treated with CBD (or THC) formed smaller and fewer colonies.
Combining both compounds gave excellent results. Neither compound by itself killed large numbers of cancerous cells. However, when combined together they were very effective.
THC and CBD may act in different ways on cancer cells, but when combined, they have a greater effect.
Tong said that the most notable inhibitory effects were observed when CBD and THC are used at a ratio of 1:1.
Further tests showed the compounds could prevent cells migrating. This means that they may be able stop the spread of ovarian carcinoma to other areas. Metastases are the cause of death for many patients, and a treatment that prevents them could be life-saving.
These compounds might be effective against different forms of ovarian carcinoma. Compounds and their combinations had little effect on normal cells. Patients may find that the compounds are less toxic than existing drugs.
The scientists studied the cell signaling pathway to better understand these anticancer effects. Overactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways is observed in ovarian carcinoma cells. This contributes to both tumor growth and treatment resistance.
CBD and THC appeared to restore the normal regulation of this pathway. That could explain the reason why the cancerous cells were unable to reproduce after treatment and then began to die.
Look to the Future
There is still much work to do before the results of this research can be used in practical treatment. Scientists call for more research to determine if these compounds are effective as new cancer treatments.
Tong stated that “even though our research is only preliminary, the findings are important for future studies into potential uses of CBD and THC as a treatment option for ovarian carcinoma.” By confirming anti-cancer activities and identifying important molecular mechanisms our findings should drive future preclinical work. The combination of CBD and THC may lead to the creation of new therapeutic strategies if future studies confirm their effects.
Tong continued, “This study does have some limitations.” The results of all experiments may not accurately reflect how tumors behave in living organisms. The in-vivo models, pharmacokinetics and other data are essential for determining the safety and effectiveness of CBD/THC when used clinically. Finaly, the regulatory and legal aspects of cannabinoid treatment may have an impact on future translational research. Although the results were encouraging, additional studies must be conducted before this information can be translated into patient care.”
Frontiers published this article first.