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.
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Amy
A
Alexander
Paul F
PF
Smith
Rhonda J
RJ
Rosengren
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