A systematic review found CBD targets gastrointestinal cancers through apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, anti-angiogenesis, and inflammation reduction, with potential to enhance conventional therapies and overcome treatment resistance.
GI oncology researchers, scientists studying cannabinoid anti-cancer mechanisms, and clinicians following emerging treatments for colorectal and gastric cancers.
CBD targeted multiple resistance mechanisms in GI cancer models
What the researchers found
CBD modulated multiple molecular pathways relevant to GI cancers, including inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, inhibiting new blood vessel formation, reducing inflammation, and potentially enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness and overcoming drug resistance.
Why it matters
Gastrointestinal cancers are among the most common and deadly cancers globally. CBD's multi-target approach and potential to overcome treatment resistance address key challenges in GI oncology.
The numbers in context
CBD mechanisms in GI cancers included: apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis inhibition, inflammation reduction, and chemosensitization. Focus on gastric and colorectal cancer models.
How the study worked
Systematic review examining preclinical and early clinical evidence on CBD in gastric and colorectal cancers, analyzing molecular pathways and therapeutic potential.
What this study cannot tell us
Primarily preclinical evidence. Translation from lab to clinic faces bioavailability, dosing, and regulatory challenges. CBD's GI side effects could complicate treatment of GI cancers specifically.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review of predominantly preclinical work. Provides mechanistic understanding but clinical translation remains speculative.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
Colorectal cancer treatment has improved but resistance remains a major hurdle. The cannabinoid system is expressed in the GI tract, making it a biologically plausible therapeutic target for cancers arising in these tissues.
Questions still open
- Would oral CBD achieve sufficient concentrations at GI tumor sites? Could CBD's GI side effects be leveraged therapeutically rather than being a limitation?
Common questions
Could CBD help treat stomach or colon cancer?
How does CBD fight GI cancers?
Read the original research
Targeting Gastrointestinal Cancers with Cannabidiol: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Therapeutic Implications.
Medical oncology (Northwood, London, England), 42(7), 237
Citation
Esmaeli, Mojtaba; Dehghanpour Dehabadi, Maryam. (2025). Targeting Gastrointestinal Cancers with Cannabidiol: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Therapeutic Implications.. Medical oncology (Northwood, London, England), 42(7), 237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-025-02790-6
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