A review of 16 studies found CBD fought liver cancer cells through apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis suppression, and enhanced the effectiveness of the standard drugs sorafenib and cabozantinib.
Hepatology and oncology researchers, scientists studying drug resistance mechanisms, and clinicians following emerging liver cancer treatments.
CBD sensitized liver cancer cells to both sorafenib and cabozantinib
What the researchers found
CBD induced pyroptosis (inflammatory cell death) via caspase-3/GSDME, modulated autophagy by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and sensitized liver cancer cells to both sorafenib and cabozantinib.
Why it matters
Liver cancer is a major global cause of cancer death with limited treatment options. Sorafenib resistance is common, so finding that CBD can resensitize cancer cells to this drug addresses a critical clinical problem.
The numbers in context
16 studies included. CBD mechanisms: pyroptosis via caspase-3/GSDME, autophagy via PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibition, chemosensitization to sorafenib and cabozantinib. Clinical studies remain limited.
How the study worked
Systematic review searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar through March 2025, identifying 16 relevant studies including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations of CBD in hepatocellular carcinoma.
What this study cannot tell us
Predominantly preclinical evidence. CBD's known potential for hepatotoxicity is a particular concern for liver cancer applications. Bioavailability challenges may limit achievable tumor concentrations.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review of mostly preclinical studies. Promising mechanistic evidence but limited clinical data and specific safety concerns for liver applications.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, literature through March 2025.
The bigger picture
Drug resistance is the primary reason liver cancer treatments fail. CBD's ability to enhance standard therapies while independently attacking tumors through multiple pathways makes it a candidate for combination therapy research.
Questions still open
- Can CBD be safely used in patients with compromised liver function? What formulation would overcome CBD's bioavailability limitations for liver-targeted therapy?
Common questions
Could CBD help treat liver cancer?
How might CBD help with drug-resistant liver cancer?
Read the original research
Cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential therapeutic agent for liver cancer: a comprehensive review of current evidence.
Cancer cell international, 25(1), 215
Citation
Esmaeli, Mojtaba; Dehghanpour Dehabadi, Maryam. (2025). Cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential therapeutic agent for liver cancer: a comprehensive review of current evidence.. Cancer cell international, 25(1), 215. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-025-03870-3
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