In Vitro Study Shows CBD and THC Reduce Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth — Evidence Review
Published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, by researchers from Khon Kaen University
Researched by
— the AI search engine for science
Table of Contents
Researchers at Khon Kaen University found that a combination of two cannabis-derived compounds, CBD and THC, significantly reduced the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells in laboratory experiments. These findings, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, align with a growing body of research suggesting that cannabinoids may have anti-cancer properties, though most evidence remains preclinical.
- Multiple related studies have reported that CBD and THC can inhibit cancer cell growth, induce apoptosis, and reduce cell migration in various cancer types, supporting the new study's findings in ovarian cancer cells 1 2 5 6 7 8 10 11.
- Synergistic effects between cannabinoids and existing cancer therapies, such as PARP inhibitors or proteasome inhibitors, have been observed, indicating that combinations like CBD and THC may enhance anti-cancer efficacy or reduce resistance in some cancer models 1 2 8.
- While promising, most research to date—including the current study—has been conducted in vitro or in animal models, highlighting a gap in clinical evidence and the need for further investigation into safety, dosing, and mechanisms in humans 1 2 6.
Study Overview and Key Findings
Ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies, often diagnosed at an advanced stage and frequently resistant to standard therapies. The current study addresses the urgent need for new, less toxic treatment options by investigating the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—two major, naturally occurring cannabinoids—on the growth and spread of ovarian cancer cells. The research is particularly notable for evaluating both platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant cell lines and for examining the combined effects of CBD and THC, as well as their impact on cancer-related signaling pathways.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization | Khon Kaen University |
| Journal Name | Frontiers in Pharmacology |
| Authors | Dr. Siyao Tong |
| Population | Ovarian cancer cells |
| Methods | In Vitro Study |
| Outcome | Cancer cell growth, migration, signaling pathway activity |
| Results | CBD and THC reduced cancer cell growth and migration. |
Literature Review: Related Studies
To place these findings in context, we searched the Consensus database of over 200 million research papers. The following search queries were used to identify relevant studies:
- cannabis compounds ovarian cancer treatment
- CBD THC cancer cell growth inhibition
- cannabinoids effects on cancer migration
Summary Table of Key Topics and Findings
| Topic | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| How do cannabinoids affect cancer cell growth and survival? | - CBD and THC, individually and in combination, inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell types, including ovarian, gastric, endometrial, and glioma cells 1 2 5 6 7 8. - The combination of cannabinoids with standard chemotherapies can enhance anti-cancer effects and potentially reduce chemoresistance 1 2 8. |
| What is the impact of cannabinoids on cancer cell migration and metastasis? | - Both CBD and THC can inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion, often through receptor-dependent and independent pathways 2 8 10 11 12 13. - Cannabinoids may downregulate migration-related proteins (e.g., CXCR4, MMPs) and signaling pathways associated with metastasis 10 12 13. |
| Are cannabis compounds selective for cancer cells over healthy cells, and what about toxicity? | - Some studies report cannabinoids are more cytotoxic to cancer cells than to healthy cells, suggesting potential for selective anti-tumor effects 2 5 6. - CBD is noted for potentially reducing side effects and toxicity associated with traditional chemotherapies 1 6. |
| What molecular pathways are modulated by cannabinoids in cancer? | - Cannabinoids influence multiple signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt, TRPV1, and COX-2, contributing to reduced proliferation, migration, and increased apoptosis 2 5 6 7 12. - These pathways are implicated in cancer progression and resistance to therapy 2 5 6 7 12. |
How do cannabinoids affect cancer cell growth and survival?
Several studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and promote cell death across various cancer types. These effects are often observed both in vitro and, in some cases, in animal models. The findings from the new study are consistent with this trend, particularly regarding the reduction in ovarian cancer cell growth after treatment with CBD and THC.
- Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis in ovarian, gastric, endometrial, and glioma cancer cells 1 2 5 6 7 8.
- Combining cannabinoids with chemotherapeutic or epigenetic drugs can enhance anti-tumor effects and potentially overcome chemoresistance 1 2 8.
- Dose-finding studies remain necessary, as optimal concentrations for anti-cancer efficacy and safety are not yet established 1.
- Preclinical studies suggest cannabinoids' effects are not limited to a single cancer type, indicating broad potential for anti-cancer applications 2 6 7.
What is the impact of cannabinoids on cancer cell migration and metastasis?
In addition to effects on cell proliferation, several studies highlight the ability of cannabinoids to inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion—key processes in metastasis. The new study's finding that CBD and THC together reduce ovarian cancer cell migration aligns with this body of evidence.
- Cannabinoids, including CBD, THC, and synthetic analogs, have been shown to suppress migration and invasion in cancer cell lines, including ovarian, glioma, cervical, breast, and lung cancers 2 8 10 11 12 13.
- These anti-migratory effects may be mediated through modulation of chemokine receptors (e.g., CXCR4), matrix metalloproteinase activity, and related signaling pathways 10 12 13.
- Receptor-independent mechanisms, particularly for CBD, have been implicated in reducing cancer cell migration 11.
- Decreasing cancer cell migration and invasion could contribute to reduced metastasis, a major determinant of patient outcomes 10 12.
Are cannabis compounds selective for cancer cells over healthy cells, and what about toxicity?
A key consideration for any anti-cancer therapy is its selectivity and safety profile. Several studies suggest that cannabinoids may preferentially target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, potentially offering a better side effect profile than conventional chemotherapy.
- Some in vitro studies report that cannabinoid mixtures are markedly more cytotoxic to ovarian cancer cells than to normal keratinocytes 2.
- CBD, in particular, is associated with reduced toxicity compared to traditional chemotherapeutic agents, and may even mitigate some chemotherapy-induced side effects 1 6.
- However, comprehensive clinical safety data are lacking, and most evidence stems from preclinical settings 1 2 6.
- Selectivity and tolerability will need to be rigorously assessed in future trials before patient use 1 2 6.
What molecular pathways are modulated by cannabinoids in cancer?
Cannabinoids impact a wide range of molecular signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, survival, and metastasis. The new study's observation that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activity is normalized by CBD and THC in ovarian cancer cells fits with previous reports of cannabinoids affecting similar and related pathways.
- Cannabinoids have been shown to regulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt, TRPV1, and COX-2 pathways, all of which are linked to cancer cell survival, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis 2 5 6 7 12.
- These pathways are often dysregulated in cancer and are targets for many current and investigational therapies 2 5 7 12.
- Changes in signaling may explain observed reductions in cell growth and migration, as well as increased cell death in cancer cells treated with cannabinoids 2 5 6 7.
- The diversity of affected pathways suggests potential for cannabinoids to act in synergistic or complementary ways with existing targeted therapies 2 8.
Future Research Questions
While the latest study advances understanding of cannabinoids' effects on ovarian cancer cells, substantial gaps remain. Most evidence, including the new findings, is based on in vitro experiments, with few in vivo or clinical studies. Key areas for future investigation include confirming efficacy and safety in animal models and humans, understanding precise mechanisms of action, and determining how cannabinoids might integrate into or enhance current treatment regimens.
| Research Question | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Can CBD and THC combination therapy safely and effectively treat ovarian cancer in animal models or humans? | Most current evidence is in vitro; animal and clinical studies are needed to determine real-world efficacy, safety, and potential for translation to patient care 1 2 6. |
| What are the optimal doses and ratios of CBD and THC for maximal anti-cancer effect with minimal toxicity? | Determining safe and effective dosing is critical, as cannabinoid effects can be dose-dependent and biphasic, impacting efficacy and safety profiles 1 2. |
| How do cannabinoids interact with standard ovarian cancer therapies such as platinum-based drugs or PARP inhibitors? | Preclinical studies suggest potential synergy or enhancement of anti-cancer effects, but interactions with existing treatments and impacts on resistance require further investigation 1 2 8. |
| Which molecular mechanisms underlie the anti-cancer effects of CBD and THC in ovarian cancer? | Understanding the precise pathways involved, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt, may guide targeted therapy development and reveal biomarkers for response 2 5 6 7 12. |
| Are there differences in cannabinoid response among different types or stages of ovarian cancer? | Cancer heterogeneity may influence treatment response; identifying which subtypes or patient populations benefit most will inform clinical trial design and personalized therapy approaches 2 6. |