A recent in-vitro study conducted by researchers from Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) has revealed promising results regarding the potential use of cannabis extract in treating melanoma skin cancer. The study focused on a particular cannabis extract known as cannabinoid PHEC-66, which showed the ability to decelerate the growth of melanoma cells and increase cell death. While further research is needed, these findings offer hope for the development of supplementary therapies for treating malignant melanoma.
Melanoma: A Deadly Form of Skin Cancer:
Melanoma, though accounting for only 6% of skin cancers, is responsible for over 80% of skin cancer-related deaths. This aggressive form of cancer has a high tendency to spread and can form tumors locally as well as in distant sites. Traditional treatment options for metastatic melanoma are limited, and the cancer has demonstrated resistance to these treatments.
The Potential of Cannabis Compounds:
Naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenes, have been studied for their potential anticancer properties. Previous research has shown that activating CB1 and CB2 receptors with plant-derived compounds can slow down early tumor growth in various cancers by triggering different molecular pathways.
The Role of Cannabinoid PHEC-66:
In the study, the cannabis extract PHEC-66, developed by MGC Pharmaceuticals in Australia, was found to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors on melanoma cells. This interaction resulted in a slowdown of cell growth and movement. To validate the findings, CB1 and CB2 antagonists were used to block these receptors, which led to a notable increase in cell viability for melanoma cells.
Understanding the Mechanisms:
The study also examined the expression of receptor genes in melanoma cell lines treated with PHEC-66. The findings imply that the signaling pathways activated by PHEC-66 involve CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, the response to PHEC-66 treatment varied among different cell lines. Additionally, the extract, which mainly contains CBD, has shown inhibitory effects on the proliferation and movement of melanoma cells, potentially preventing the spread of cancer.
The Importance of Further Research:
While these findings are promising, further research is necessary to fully understand how PHEC-66 interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in melanoma cells. The study confirmed that the decrease in cell growth induced by PHEC-66 is primarily linked to CB2 receptors in all tested melanoma cells. Future studies should explore the potential of PHEC-66 in treating advanced-stage melanoma, especially in combination therapies and using advanced experimental models.
Conclusion:
The recent study on the use of cannabis extract PHEC-66 in melanoma treatment offers hope for developing new therapeutic approaches. The interaction of PHEC-66 with CB1 and CB2 receptors alters metabolic pathways, affects cell cycle progression, and leads to apoptosis, or programmed cell death. However, it is important to note that further rigorous scientific study, including experiments on animals and clinical trials on humans, is necessary to fully explore the potential of cannabis-infused topicals in treating melanoma.
