[Cannabis and cancer].
The two varieties of hemp, Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, contain about sixty compounds, named cannabinoids. The most abundant molecule, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is involved in the biological effects of cannabis due to its analogy with endogenous substances (endocannabinoids) thus activating specific receptors : CB1 and CB2. A better knowledge of cannabinoids and their receptors leds to new interrogations, beyond the addictology, in particular in oncology. This review of the literature analyses these questions with special concern on the carcinogenic role of cannabis, the potential antitumor effect of cannabinoids and the place of THC and its derivatives for supportive care in cancerology.
Vignot
Stéphane
S
Association d'études et de recherche des Internes en oncologie, 24, rue Victor Massé, 75009 Paris.
Besse
Benjamin
B
de la Motte Rouge
Thibault
T
Massard
Christophe
C
Spano
Jean-Philippe
JP
Karila
Laurent
L
D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*
D002186:Cannabinoids