CBD is one of the most researched cannabinoids for its many physical and mental health benefits. Recently there has been a focus on the possible use of CBD as an additional treatment for people diagnosed with certain types of cancer as well as those undergoing chemotherapy. Studies are providing interesting and hopeful findings.
A Quick Biology Lesson
CBD is a highly bioactive and non-intoxicating cannabinoid from the hemp plant. The most well-known of action involves CBD molecules binding with CB1 and CB2 receptors, among others including transient potential vanilloid (TRPV) receptors. The result is anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative effects, all beneficial in fighting cancer. CB1 receptors in the central nervous system are responsible for managing pain and Cb2 receptors are found in peripheral tissues and act to reduce cancer formation.
CBD and Chemotherapy
Certain cancers will require a number of rounds of chemotherapy treatments, and chemotherapy can induce numerous unpleasant side effects including nausea, hair loss, neuropathy, weight loss and fatigue. Research has discovered that CB1 receptors regulate several biological functions throughout the body such as appetite, body weight metabolism, pain and appears to help with psychological issues like depression and anxiety. The cannabinoid drug – Nabiximols – is being studied for FDA approval in the United States for the treatment of various cancer-related symptoms and is currently used in parts of Europe and Canada.
CBD and Specific Cancers
Lung Cancer
The most heavily researched type of cancer associated with the use of CBD is lung cancer and for some very good reasons. It is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The majority of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer and the rest are small cell lung cancer, which tends to grow and spread faster than the first type. Through very complex interactions of CBD within the endocannabinoid system, CBD appears to mediate anticancer effects through an ion channel receptor, TRPV2, whose expression is related to overall survival for individuals with lung cancer. And in animal studies, CBD was shown to significantly reduce tumor progression and metastasis as well as suppress cancer stem cell properties.
Breast Cancer
Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common type among women in the United States. In general, breast cancer having estrogen receptors is estrogen receptor-positive cancer, while the type of cancer known as triple-negative lacks expression of estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth receptors which are normally found in breast cancer cells. The triple-negative type is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Research shows that CBD has various anti-cancer properties including inhibition of the growth of cancer cells, especially for estrogen receptor-positive cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Right behind lung cancer, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men in the United States. Although there aren’t a large number of studies examining the effect of CBD on prostate cancer, in some, CBD seems to act as an antiproliferative agent and initiates apoptosis or programmed cell death of cancer cells. CBD has also been shown to reduce the viability of certain cell lines. In animal studies, CBD is thought to sensitize malignant tumors to chemotherapy and slow down cancer progression.
Final Thoughts on CBD and CancerTreatment
Although there are hundreds of cancer types, lung, breast and prostate tend to be more common than others. While cancer treatments such as targeted therapy and the use of stem cells have advanced over the past decade or so, research shows that CBD can be a beneficial add-on to traditional cancer therapies. It may better manage chemo-induced symptoms, reduce tumor progression and the spread of cells, reduce pain, and help with mood.