By According to the results of a recently published laboratory study, cannabis extract slowed the growth of skin cancer cells and caused them to self-destruct. A study by Australian researchers found certain experimental results. cannabis sativa The extract, known as PHEC-66, “may have potential as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of malignant melanoma.”
Melanoma accounts for only about 6% of all reported skin cancer cases. According to the report From New Atlas. However, the aggressive form of the disease is highly deadly, causing more than 80% of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is highly resistant to conventional cancer treatments and is prone to metastasis and spread to other parts of the body.
Previous research has shown that compounds found in cannabis may have anti-tumor effects related to the body's endocannabinoid system. Research shows that CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are present throughout the central nervous system and peripheral immune system and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including gene transcription, cell motility, and the process of programmed cell death known as apoptosis. affects intracellular signaling pathways that control
of new researchpublished in a peer-reviewed journal last month celltested the effect of PHEC-66 on the proliferation of primary and secondary (metastatic) human melanoma cells. Researchers found that cannabis extracts inhibit the growth of skin cancer cells by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
The study also showed that PHEC-66 inhibits the progression of cell growth and division, known as the cell cycle. Additionally, cannabis extract affected metabolic pathways by causing intramelanoma cell accumulation of compounds that can cause apoptosis.
“All these effects together initiate the apoptotic process and slow the proliferation of melanoma cells,” the researchers wrote.
“Damage to melanoma cells prevents them from dividing into new cells and instead initiates programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis,” said Nazim, co-corresponding author of the study.・Mr. Nassar said: said in the press Graduated from Charles Darwin University. “This is growing as an important area of research because we need to understand as much as possible about cannabis extracts, especially their potential to act as anti-cancer agents. If we know how they respond, we can refine our treatment techniques to be more specific, responsive, and effective.”
Research could lead to new cancer treatments
This study shows that cannabis compounds may be used to treat melanoma patients. Researchers say the next step in the process is to develop a method of administering PHEC-66 that will lead to preclinical studies to test the compound's safety and efficacy.
“Advanced delivery systems still need to be fully developed, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to properly and effectively use these agents at target sites,” he said. .
Nassar noted that there is still a stigma surrounding the therapeutic use of cannabis compounds. But if research continues, the findings could advance treatments for a wide range of conditions in addition to cancer.
“Clinical uses of cannabis extracts include the treatment of anxiety, cancer-related conditions, epilepsy, and chronic pain,” Nassar said. “Intensive research into the potential to kill melanoma cells is just the beginning to explore how this knowledge can be applied to the treatment of different types of cancer.”
The team of scientists called for further research into the use of cannabis extracts, including studies showing the effects of cannabis compounds on skin cancer when combined with other treatments for skin cancer.
“Further research is needed to comprehensively understand its potential use in advanced-stage melanoma treatment, preferably using more sophisticated models, and evaluating its feasibility in combination therapy.” “Yes,” the researchers wrote.
