1
|
Hu Z, Qin Z, Xie J, Qu Y, Yin L. Cannabidiol and its application in the treatment of oral diseases: therapeutic potentials, routes of administration and prospects. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116271. [PMID: 38788594 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most important active ingredients in cannabis, has been reported to have some pharmacological effects such as antibacterial and analgesic effects, and to have therapeutic potential in the treatment of oral diseases such as oral cancer, gingivitis and periodontal diseases. However, there is a lack of relevant systematic research and reviews. Therefore, based on the etiology and clinical symptoms of several common oral diseases, this paper focuses on the therapeutic potential of CBD in periodontal diseases, pulp diseases, oral mucosal diseases, oral cancer and temporomandibular joint diseases. The pharmacological effects of CBD and the distribution and function of its receptors in the oral cavity are also summarized. In order to provide reference for future research and further clinical application of CBD, we also summarize several possible routes of administration and corresponding characteristics. Finally, the challenges faced while applying CBD clinically and possible solutions are discussed, and we also look to the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zonghao Hu
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zishun Qin
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jinhong Xie
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yue Qu
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Lihua Yin
- School/Hospital of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cretu B, Zamfir A, Bucurica S, Scheau AE, Savulescu Fiedler I, Caruntu C, Caruntu A, Scheau C. Role of Cannabinoids in Oral Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:969. [PMID: 38256042 PMCID: PMC10815457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids have incited scientific interest in different conditions, including malignancy, due to increased exposure to cannabis. Furthermore, cannabinoids are increasingly used to alleviate cancer-related symptoms. This review paper aims to clarify the recent findings on the relationship between cannabinoids and oral cancer, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that could link cannabinoids with oral cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we provide an overview of the current and future perspectives on the management of oral cancer patients using cannabinoid compounds. Epidemiological data on cannabis use and oral cancer development are conflicting. However, in vitro studies assessing the effects of cannabinoids on oral cancer cells have unveiled promising anti-cancer features, including apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. Downregulation of various signaling pathways with anti-cancer effects has been identified in experimental models of oral cancer cells exposed to cannabinoids. Furthermore, in some countries, several synthetic or phytocannabinoids have been approved as medical adjuvants for the management of cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Cannabinoids may improve overall well-being by relieving anxiety, depression, pain, and nausea. In conclusion, the link between cannabinoid compounds and oral cancer is complex, and further research is necessary to elucidate the potential risks or their protective impact on oral cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Cretu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; (B.C.); (A.Z.)
| | - Alexandra Zamfir
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; (B.C.); (A.Z.)
| | - Sandica Bucurica
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University Central Emergency Military Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Elena Scheau
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ilinca Savulescu Fiedler
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.)
- Department of Dermatology, “Prof. N.C. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Caruntu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; (B.C.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Scheau
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aziz AI, Nguyen LC, Oumeslakht L, Bensussan A, Ben Mkaddem S. Cannabinoids as Immune System Modulators: Cannabidiol Potential Therapeutic Approaches and Limitations. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 8:254-269. [PMID: 36413346 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant Phytocannabinoid in Cannabis extracts. CBD has a binding affinity for several cannabinoid and cannabinoid-associated receptors. Epidiolex (oral CBD solution) has been lately licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of pediatric epileptic seizures. Methods: In this review, we discussed the most promising applications of CBD for chronic inflammatory conditions, namely CBD's anti-inflammatory effects during inflammatory bowel disease, coronavirus disease (antiviral effect), brain pathologies (neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties), as well as CBD immunomodulatory and antitumoral activities in the tumor microenvironment. Special focus was shed on the main therapeutic mechanisms of action of CBD, particularly in the control of the immune system and the endocannabinoid system. Results: Findings suggest that CBD is a potent immunomodulatory drug as it has manifested immunosuppressive properties in the context of sterile inflammation (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases), and immunoprotective effects during viral infections (e.g. COVID-19) Similarly, CBD has exhibited a selective response toward cancer types by engaging different targets and signaling pathways. These results are in favor of the primary function of the endocannabinoid system which is homeostatic maintenance. Conclusion: The presented evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system is a prominent target for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid diseases, viral infections, neurological and psychological pathologies, and cancer. Moreover, the antitumoral activities of CBD have been suggested to be potentially used in combination with chemo- or immunotherapy during cancer. However, clinical results are still lacking, which raises a challenge to apply translational cannabis research to the human immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdel-ilah Aziz
- Institute of Biological and Medical Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| | - Long Chi Nguyen
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Loubna Oumeslakht
- Institute of Biological and Medical Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| | - Armand Bensussan
- Institute of Biological and Medical Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
- Onco-Dermatology and Therapies, INSERM UMRS976, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Sanae Ben Mkaddem
- Institute of Biological and Medical Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben Guerir, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Green R, Khalil R, Mohapatra SS, Mohapatra S. Role of Cannabidiol for Improvement of the Quality of Life in Cancer Patients: Potential and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112956. [PMID: 36361743 PMCID: PMC9654506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently a growing interest in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) to alleviate the symptoms caused by cancer, including pain, sleep disruption, and anxiety. CBD is often self-administered as an over-the-counter supplement, and patients have reported benefits from its use. However, despite the progress made, the mechanisms underlying CBD’s anti-cancer activity remain divergent and unclear. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of molecular mechanisms to determine convergent anti-cancer actions of CBD from pre-clinical and clinical studies. In vitro studies have begun to elucidate the molecular targets of CBD and provide evidence of CBD’s anti-tumor properties in cell and mouse models of cancer. Furthermore, several clinical trials have been completed testing CBD’s efficacy in treating cancer-related pain. However, most use a mixture of CBD and the psychoactive, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and/or use variable dosing that is not consistent between individual patients. Despite these limitations, significant reductions in pain and opioid use have been reported in cancer patients using CBD or CBD+THC. Additionally, significant improvements in quality-of-life measures and patients’ overall satisfaction with their treatment have been reported. Thus, there is growing evidence suggesting that CBD might be useful to improve the overall quality of life of cancer patients by both alleviating cancer symptoms and by synergizing with cancer therapies to improve their efficacy. However, many questions remain unanswered regarding the use of CBD in cancer treatment, including the optimal dose, effective combinations with other drugs, and which biomarkers/clinical presentation of symptoms may guide its use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Green
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Roukiah Khalil
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Shyam S. Mohapatra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Subhra Mohapatra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.M.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Anti-Cancer Activity of Cannabis sativa Phytocannabinoids: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential in the Fight against Ovarian Cancer and Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174299. [PMID: 36077833 PMCID: PMC9454933 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, with about 70% of cases diagnosed only at an advanced stage. Cannabis sativa, which produces more than 150 phytocannabinoids, is used worldwide to alleviate numerous symptoms associated with various medical conditions. Recently, studies across a range of cancer types have demonstrated that the phytocannabinoids Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo, but also the potential to increase other drugs’ adverse effects. THC and CBD act via several different biological and signaling pathways, including receptor-dependent and receptor-independent pathways. However, very few studies have examined the effectiveness of cannabis compounds against OC. Moreover, little is known about the effectiveness of cannabis compounds against cancer stem cells (CSCs) in general and OC stem cells (OCSCs) in particular. CSCs have been implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and invasion, as well as tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Several hallmarks and concepts describe CSCs. OCSCs, too, are characterized by several markers and specific drug-resistance mechanisms. While there is no peer-reviewed information regarding the effect of cannabis and cannabis compounds on OCSC viability or development, cannabis compounds have been shown to affect genetic pathways and biological processes related to CSCs and OCSCs. Based on evidence from other cancer-type studies, the use of phytocannabinoid-based treatments to disrupt CSC homeostasis is suggested as a potential intervention to prevent chemotherapy resistance. The potential benefits of the combination of chemotherapy with phytocannabinoid treatment should be examined in ovarian cancer patients.
Collapse
|
6
|
Colvin EK, Hudson AL, Anderson LL, Kumar RP, McGregor IS, Howell VM, Arnold JC. An Examination of the Anti-Cancer Properties of Plant Cannabinoids in Preclinical Models of Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153813. [PMID: 35954477 PMCID: PMC9367527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mesothelioma is a deadly disease with few treatment options. Phytocannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant are garnering interest for their anti-cancer properties, however very little is known about their effects in mesothelioma. We aimed to assess whether phytocannabinoids have anti-cancer effects in mesothelioma and potential modes of action. We showed that several phytocannabinoids inhibited growth of mesothelioma cells, with two phytocannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), being the most potent. CBD and CBG also inhibited mesothelioma cell migration and invasion. Gene expression analysis highlighted signalling pathways that play a role in how CBD and CBG may exert their anti-cancer effects. CBD and CBG were unable to increase survival in a rat model of mesothelioma but this may be due to limitations in the drug delivery method. Abstract Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Phytocannabinoids possess anti-tumour and palliative properties in multiple cancers, however their effects in mesothelioma are unknown. We investigated the anti-cancer effects and potential mechanisms of action for several phytocannabinoids in mesothelioma cell lines. A panel of 13 phytocannabinoids inhibited growth of human (MSTO and H2452) and rat (II-45) mesothelioma cells in vitro, and cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) were the most potent compounds. Treatment with CBD or CBG resulted in G0/G1 arrest, delayed entry into S phase and induced apoptosis. CBD and CBG also significantly reduced mesothelioma cell migration and invasion. These effects were supported by changes in the expression of genes associated with the cell cycle, proliferation, and cell movement following CBD or CBG treatment. Gene expression levels of CNR1, GPR55, and 5HT1A also increased with CBD or CBG treatment. However, treatment with CBD or CBG in a syngeneic orthotopic rat mesothelioma model was unable to increase survival. Our data show that cannabinoids have anti-cancer effects on mesothelioma cells in vitro and alternatives of drug delivery may be needed to enhance their effects in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily K. Colvin
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Amanda L. Hudson
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.L.H.); (J.C.A.); Tel.: +61-2-9926-4722 (A.L.H.); +61-2-9351-0812 (J.C.A.)
| | - Lyndsey L. Anderson
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Ramyashree Prasanna Kumar
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Viive M. Howell
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.L.H.); (J.C.A.); Tel.: +61-2-9926-4722 (A.L.H.); +61-2-9351-0812 (J.C.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lee HS, Tamia G, Song HJ, Amarakoon D, Wei CI, Lee SH. Cannabidiol exerts anti-proliferative activity via a cannabinoid receptor 2-dependent mechanism in human colorectal cancer cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108865. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
8
|
Valenti C, Billi M, Pancrazi GL, Calabria E, Armogida NG, Tortora G, Pagano S, Barnaba P, Marinucci L. Biological Effects of Cannabidiol on Human Cancer Cells: Systematic Review of the Literature. Pharmacol Res 2022; 181:106267. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
9
|
Soroceanu L, Singer E, Dighe P, Sidorov M, Limbad C, Rodriquez-Brotons A, Rix P, Woo RWL, Dickinson L, Desprez PY, McAllister SD. Cannabidiol Inhibits RAD51 and Sensitizes Glioblastoma to Temozolomide in Multiple Orthotopic Tumor Models. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac019. [PMID: 35356807 PMCID: PMC8962752 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid with a low toxicity profile, has been shown to produce antitumor activity across cancers in part through selective production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells. The alkylating agent, temozolomide (TMZ), is standard of care for treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). It can trigger increased ROS to induce DNA damage. It has also been reported that downregulating the expression of RAD51, an important DNA damage repair protein, leads to sensitization of GBM to TMZ. Methods We determined the extent to which CBD enhanced the antitumor activity of TMZ in multiple orthotopic models of GBM. In addition, we investigated the potential for CBD to enhance the antitumor activity of TMZ through production of ROS and modulation of DNA repair pathways. Results CBD enhanced the activity of TMZ in U87 MG and U251 GBM cell lines and in patient-derived primary GBM163 cells leading to stimulation of ROS, activation of the ROS sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and upregulation of the autophagy marker LC3A. CBD produced a sensitization of U87 and GBM163-derived intracranial (i.c.) tumors to TMZ and significantly increased survival of tumor-bearing mice. However, these effects were not observed in orthotopic models derived from GBM with intact methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) expression. We further demonstrate that CBD inhibited RAD51 expression in MGMT-methylated models of GBM, providing a potential mechanism for tumor sensitization to TMZ by CBD. Conclusion These data support the potential therapeutic benefits of using CBD to enhance the antitumor activity of TMZ in GBM patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Soroceanu
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Singer
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Pratiksha Dighe
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Max Sidorov
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chandani Limbad
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Peter Rix
- Launch Bioscience, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rinette W L Woo
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Pierre-Yves Desprez
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sean D McAllister
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
McAllister SD, Abood ME, Califano J, Guzmán M. Cannabinoid Cancer Biology and Prevention. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2021; 2021:99-106. [PMID: 34850900 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-based, synthetic, and endogenous cannabinoids have been shown to control a diverse array of biological processes, including regulation of cell fate across cancers. Their promise as broad-based antitumor agents in preclinical models has led to the initiation of pilot clinical trials. Session 5 of the National Cancer Institute's Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Cancer Research Symposium provides an overview of this research topic. Overall, the presentations highlight cannabinoid signal transduction and specific molecular mechanisms underlying cannabinoid antitumor activity. They also demonstrate the broad-based antitumor activity of the plant-based, synthetic, and endogenous cannabinoid compounds. Importantly, evidence is presented demonstrating when cannabinoids may be contraindicated as a treatment for cancer, as in the case of human papilloma virus-meditated oropharynx cancer or potentially other p38 MAPK pathway-driven cancers. Finally, it is discussed that a key to advancing cannabinoids into the clinic is to conduct well-designed, large-scale clinical trials to determine whether cannabinoids are effective antitumor agents in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean D McAllister
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mary E Abood
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Califano
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CIBERNED, IUIN and IRYCIS, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|