A review of 19 studies found CBD induced cancer cell death, inhibited metastasis, enhanced immune response, and improved the effectiveness of cisplatin and radiation in lung cancer models.
Lung cancer researchers, oncologists interested in cannabinoid adjunct therapies, and scientists studying tumor microenvironment modulation.
CBD enhanced both cisplatin chemotherapy and radiotherapy in preclinical models
What the researchers found
CBD induced apoptosis through PPAR-gamma activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. It inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (a driver of metastasis) and enhanced CD8+ T cell and NK cell activity. CBD showed synergy with cisplatin and radiotherapy.
Why it matters
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. CBD's ability to enhance existing therapies while potentially reducing treatment resistance addresses two major challenges in lung cancer treatment.
The numbers in context
19 studies included. CBD concentrations: 1-10 uM in cell studies, 200-600 mg/day in human cases. 13 in vitro, 4 animal, 2 clinical reports. CBD enhanced CD8+ T cell and NK cell activity in the tumor microenvironment.
How the study worked
Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies from 2007-2025. Included 13 in vitro, 4 in vivo, and 2 clinical reports on CBD in lung cancer.
What this study cannot tell us
Primarily preclinical data. Only 2 clinical reports, not controlled trials. CBD doses used in cell studies may not translate to achievable human concentrations. Risk of publication bias in preclinical cancer research.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review with predominantly preclinical evidence. Two clinical reports provide limited human data, but controlled trials are absent.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, literature 2007-2025.
The bigger picture
Cancer immunotherapy has transformed lung cancer treatment but many patients still do not respond. CBD's immune-modulating effects alongside conventional therapy sensitization suggest potential as an adjunct worth testing.
Questions still open
- Would CBD improve outcomes in lung cancer immunotherapy combinations? What dose and route of administration would be needed for clinical benefit?
Common questions
Could CBD help treat lung cancer?
Does CBD enhance chemotherapy for lung cancer?
Read the original research
The potential role of cannabidiol (CBD) in lung cancer therapy: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence.
Cancer cell international, 25(1), 369
Citation
Esmaeli, Mojtaba; Dehghanpour Dehabadi, Maryam. (2025). The potential role of cannabidiol (CBD) in lung cancer therapy: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence.. Cancer cell international, 25(1), 369. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-025-04010-7
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