title: The endocannabinoid system and sex steroid hormone-dependent cancers.
abstract: The "endocannabinoid system (ECS)" comprises the endocannabinoids, the enzymes that regulate their synthesis and degradation, the prototypical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), some noncannabinoid receptors, and an, as yet, uncharacterised transport system. Recent evidence suggests that both cannabinoid receptors are present in sex steroid hormone-dependent cancer tissues and potentially play an important role in those malignancies. Sex steroid hormones regulate the endocannabinoid system and the endocannabinoids prevent tumour development through putative protective mechanisms that prevent cell growth and migration, suggesting an important role for endocannabinoids in the regulation of sex hormone-dependent tumours and metastasis. Here, the role of the endocannabinoid system in sex steroid hormone-dependent cancers is described and the potential for novel therapies assessed.
authors.affiliation: Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, P.O. Box 65, Leicester, Leicestershire LE2 7LX, UK.
authors.forename: Thangesweran
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ayakannu
authors.affiliation: Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, P.O. Box 65, Leicester, Leicestershire LE2 7LX, UK.
authors.forename: Anthony H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, P.O. Box 65, Leicester, Leicestershire LE2 7LX, UK.
authors.forename: Timothy H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Marczylo
authors.affiliation: Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, P.O. Box 65, Leicester, Leicestershire LE2 7LX, UK.
authors.forename: Jonathon M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Willets
authors.affiliation: Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, P.O. Box 65, Leicester, Leicestershire LE2 7LX, UK.
authors.forename: Justin C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Konje