As reported by various media, e.g. huffingtonpost.de and the Independent, researchers at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England have now been able to find out more details and background on the anti-tumour effects of THC and other active ingredients of cannabis, as well as its potential in the treatment of cancer.
Let's take a closer look at the study. The researchers discovered the existence of previously unknown signalling pathway platforms that are responsible for the shrinking of tumour cells. The study was conducted jointly with the Complutense University of Madrid in Spain (including Dr Cristina Sanchez). The team used samples of human cancer cells and induced them into mice. These tumours were then specifically treated with the cannabis compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It turned out that two cell receptors were particularly responsible for the anti-tumour effect of the medicinal agent THC.
Dr Peter McCormick, UEA's school of Pharmacy, explains that the main component of cannabis has anti-cancer properties. This chemical compound, he says, is known to act on a particular family of cell receptors called cannabinoid receptors. However, it was not clear until now which of the receptors were responsible for the anti-tumour effects of THC.
The researchers showed that these effects are mediated by the joint interaction of CB2 and GRP55, two members of the cannabinoid receptor family. The results help explain some of the known, but as yet poorly understood, effects of THC on tumour growth at low and high doses.
Dr Peter McCormick : "There was a lot of interest in understanding the molecular mechanism behind marijuana, specifically THC, and how it affects cancer. There has also been a drive in the pharmaceutical industry to produce synthetic equivalents that might have anti-cancer properties.
According to Dr McCormick, the identification of the receptors involved is an important step in the right direction for the future development of therapeutics that use the discovered interactions to reduce tumour growth. Dr McCormick adds, however, that cancer patients should not treat themselves.
(Targeting CB2 receptor GPR55 heteromers modulates cancer cell signalling" published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry).
In this sense, it is to be hoped that research into cannabis will finally be made possible in other countries, that medical specialists and doctors with specific knowledge will be available and that cannabis will be completely legalised as a useful and medicinal plant in Europe. Cannabis, with its manifold benefits and therapeutic properties, should finally be made freely available to the population again, without being used solely and exclusively by the pharmaceutical industry to generate large profits. Ultimately, every patient should be able to decide together with a cannabis specialist, depending on the illness, their own attitude and personal benefits and preferences, which very specific cannabis variety is useful for their own illness or whether a special cannabinoid medication should be used.
Especially with diseases like cancer, time is ticking for many patients and it is sometimes a matter of life and death. There is therefore no reason and no meaningful explanation to continue to withhold possible help and to block research or to shape it according to economic interests.
("Targeting CB2 receptor GPR55 heteromers modulates cancer cell signalling" published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry).
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