Cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer.
Cannabinoids, the active components of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, along with their endogenous counterparts and synthetic derivatives, have elicited anti-cancer effects in many different in vitro and in vivo models of cancer. While the various cannabinoids have been examined in a variety of cancer models, recent studies have focused on the role of cannabinoid receptor agonists (both CB(1) and CB(2)) in the treatment of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer. This review will summarize the anti-cancer properties of the cannabinoids, discuss their potential mechanisms of action, as well as explore controversies surrounding the results.
Alexander
Amy
A
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Smith
Paul F
PF
Rosengren
Rhonda J
RJ
D000818:Animals; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D048588:Benzoxazines / Q000494:pharmacology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009025:Morpholines / Q000494:pharmacology; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000494:pharmacology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D048588:Benzoxazines; D002186:Cannabinoids; D009025:Morpholines; D009281:Naphthalenes; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; C070417:(3R)-((2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-((4-morpholinyl)methyl)pyrrolo-(1,2,3-de)-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl)(1-naphthalenyl))methanone; C432747:1,1-dimethylbutyl-1-deoxy-Delta(9)-THC