Cannabinoids: potential anticancer agents

Nat Rev Cancer. 2003 Oct;3(10):745-55. doi: 10.1038/nrc1188.

Abstract

Cannabinoids - the active components of Cannabis sativa and their derivatives - exert palliative effects in cancer patients by preventing nausea, vomiting and pain and by stimulating appetite. In addition, these compounds have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumour cells in culture and animal models by modulating key cell-signalling pathways. Cannabinoids are usually well tolerated, and do not produce the generalized toxic effects of conventional chemotherapies. So, could cannabinoids be used to develop new anticancer therapies?

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacology*
  • Cannabinoids / therapeutic use*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Palliative Care
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Cannabinoids