About this Research Topic
The compounds collectively referred to as cannabinoids can be categorized into three distinct classes, each encompassing a diverse array of chemical entities with different origins: 1) endocannabinoids, dynamically produced within our bodies as needed; 2) synthetic cannabinoids, meticulously crafted within laboratories; and 3) phytocannabinoids, naturally occurring compounds derived from cannabis. Cannabinoids primarily engage with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies. Although the ECS demonstrates multifunctionality and intricate interactions with various signalling pathways, its core is widely considered to consist of three main types of receptors: cannabinoid receptors type-1 and type-2 (CB1 and CB2), along with GPR55.
In many cancers, CB1 and CB2 receptors are upregulated, making them a target for anti-cancer therapy. Targeting the cannabinoid receptors can include synthetic and phytocannabinoid ligands binding to the receptors, as well as inhibiting the breakdown of endogenous cannabinoids. The affinity and activity of common cannabinoids have been determined within the endocannabinoid system (ECS). There has also been extensive research on cannabinoids in various cancer cell lines and murine tumour models. For example, Δ9-THC may reduce tumour vascularization in gliomas, synthetic cannabinoids may promote apoptosis or autophagy in pancreatic and lung cancer growth, and inverse agonists/antagonists at CB2 receptors may reduce breast cancer proliferation.
There are only a few cannabinoid-based medicines approved by the FDA and EMA for reducing cancer treatment side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. However, the non-prescribed medicinal use of cannabis is common and reported to be effective in alleviating undesirable effects associated with cancers and their treatments. Phytocannabinoids, utilized in palliative care, act as analgesics, anxiolytics, anti-emetics, and appetite stimulants, providing relief to patients undergoing standard antineoplastic therapies like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Aside from the potential role in helping patients cope with the side effects of cancer therapy, cannabinoids have also been found to inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis in various types of cancer cells. There is evidence suggesting that cannabinoids can disrupt signalling pathways that promote tumour survival and proliferation, effectively suppressing tumour growth. Additionally, cannabinoids exhibit anti-angiogenic properties, impeding tumour progression, and have been found to modulate the immune system, potentially fostering an anti-tumour response. However, it is important to note that there is evidence suggesting that cannabinoids may promote cancer proliferation and could be contraindicated for certain cancers, such as p38 MAPK pathway-driven cancers. Similarly, cannabinoids may theoretically interfere with existing therapies by interacting at similar drug sites or pathways as standard anti-cancer treatments. Therefore, it is worth investigating whether existing anti-cancer medications act on the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
There is much to be elucidated about the types of cannabinoids and how they affect different cancers on their own, especially with regard to mechanisms of action. The interactions between standard anti-cancer therapies and cannabinoids/the endocannabinoid system also need to be explored.
This Research Topic aims to explore the roles that cannabinoids or the endocannabinoid system play with regard to treating cancer. The roles vary from the effect of cannabinoids on cancer cells and progression, the role of the endocannabinoid system in various cancers, to the interaction of existing anti-cancer therapies with the ECS or phytocannabinoids. Research focusing on any of the below bullet points is welcome to be submitted.
Topics include but are not limited to:
• In vitro/in vivo/clinical data supporting the anti-tumour activity of cannabinoids
• The potential drug interactions between cannabinoids and standard anti-cancer medications
• The presence of CBRs in tumour heterogeneity
• Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids and the role they play in immunomodulation during cancer treatment
• The challenge of cannabinoids: dose-dependent pro- and anti-tumour effects
• Emerging cannabinoid delivery systems for cancer treatment
• Cannabinoids and cancer biomarkers
In many cancers, CB1 and CB2 receptors are upregulated, making them a target for anti-cancer therapy. Targeting the cannabinoid receptors can include synthetic and phytocannabinoid ligands binding to the receptors, as well as inhibiting the breakdown of endogenous cannabinoids. The affinity and activity of common cannabinoids have been determined within the endocannabinoid system (ECS). There has also been extensive research on cannabinoids in various cancer cell lines and murine tumour models. For example, Δ9-THC may reduce tumour vascularization in gliomas, synthetic cannabinoids may promote apoptosis or autophagy in pancreatic and lung cancer growth, and inverse agonists/antagonists at CB2 receptors may reduce breast cancer proliferation.
There are only a few cannabinoid-based medicines approved by the FDA and EMA for reducing cancer treatment side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. However, the non-prescribed medicinal use of cannabis is common and reported to be effective in alleviating undesirable effects associated with cancers and their treatments. Phytocannabinoids, utilized in palliative care, act as analgesics, anxiolytics, anti-emetics, and appetite stimulants, providing relief to patients undergoing standard antineoplastic therapies like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Aside from the potential role in helping patients cope with the side effects of cancer therapy, cannabinoids have also been found to inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis in various types of cancer cells. There is evidence suggesting that cannabinoids can disrupt signalling pathways that promote tumour survival and proliferation, effectively suppressing tumour growth. Additionally, cannabinoids exhibit anti-angiogenic properties, impeding tumour progression, and have been found to modulate the immune system, potentially fostering an anti-tumour response. However, it is important to note that there is evidence suggesting that cannabinoids may promote cancer proliferation and could be contraindicated for certain cancers, such as p38 MAPK pathway-driven cancers. Similarly, cannabinoids may theoretically interfere with existing therapies by interacting at similar drug sites or pathways as standard anti-cancer treatments. Therefore, it is worth investigating whether existing anti-cancer medications act on the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
There is much to be elucidated about the types of cannabinoids and how they affect different cancers on their own, especially with regard to mechanisms of action. The interactions between standard anti-cancer therapies and cannabinoids/the endocannabinoid system also need to be explored.
This Research Topic aims to explore the roles that cannabinoids or the endocannabinoid system play with regard to treating cancer. The roles vary from the effect of cannabinoids on cancer cells and progression, the role of the endocannabinoid system in various cancers, to the interaction of existing anti-cancer therapies with the ECS or phytocannabinoids. Research focusing on any of the below bullet points is welcome to be submitted.
Topics include but are not limited to:
• In vitro/in vivo/clinical data supporting the anti-tumour activity of cannabinoids
• The potential drug interactions between cannabinoids and standard anti-cancer medications
• The presence of CBRs in tumour heterogeneity
• Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids and the role they play in immunomodulation during cancer treatment
• The challenge of cannabinoids: dose-dependent pro- and anti-tumour effects
• Emerging cannabinoid delivery systems for cancer treatment
• Cannabinoids and cancer biomarkers
Keywords: cannabinoids, cancer, endocannabinoid, tumor, cannabinoid receptor
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
