title: Antitumorigenic targets of cannabinoids - current status and implications.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Molecular structures of the endocannabinoid system have gained interest as potential pharmacotherapeutical targets for systemic cancer treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present review covers the contribution of the endocannabinoid system to cancer progression. Particular focus will be set on the accumulating preclinical data concerning antimetastatic, anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic mechanisms induced by cannabinoids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The main goal of targeting endocannabinoid structures for systemic anticancer treatment is the comparatively good safety profile of cannabinoid compounds. In addition, antitumorigenic mechanisms of cannabinoids are not restricted to a single molecular cascade but involve multiple effects on various levels of cancer progression such as angiogenesis and metastasis. Particularly the latter effect has gained interest for pharmacological interventions. Thus, drugs aiming at the endocannabinoid system may represent potential 'antimetastatics' for an upgrade of a future armamentarium against cancer diseases.
authors.affiliation: a Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ramer
authors.affiliation: a Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology , Rostock University Medical Center , Rostock , Germany.
authors.forename: Burkhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hinz
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018450:Disease Progression; D063388:Endocannabinoids / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000517:prevention & control; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000517:prevention & control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002186:Cannabinoids; D063388:Endocannabinoids
keywords: Angiogenesis; cancer; cannabinoid receptors; cannabinoids; endocannabinoids; metastasis; tumor cell invasion