The Endocannabinoid System: A Target for Cancer Treatment

Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jan 23;21(3):747. doi: 10.3390/ijms21030747.

Abstract

In recent years, the endocannabinoid system has received great interest as a potential therapeutic target in numerous pathological conditions. Cannabinoids have shown an anticancer potential by modulating several pathways involved in cell growth, differentiation, migration, and angiogenesis. However, the therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids is limited to the treatment of chemotherapy-induced symptoms or cancer pain, but their use as anticancer drugs in chemotherapeutic protocols requires further investigation. In this paper, we reviewed the role of cannabinoids in the modulation of signaling mechanisms implicated in tumor progression.

Keywords: Cannabinoids; angiogenesis; cancer stem cell; metastasis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cannabinoids / metabolism
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacology*
  • Cannabinoids / therapeutic use
  • Cell Movement / drug effects*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Endocannabinoids / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cannabinoids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid

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