CBD suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting the lncRNA MALAT1 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, and showed synergy with gemcitabine chemotherapy.
Cancer researchers, oncologists following cannabinoid research, pancreatic cancer specialists
CBD synergized with gemcitabine without added toxicity
What the researchers found
CBD suppressed CXCR4/CXCR7 and MMP-2/9 expression, reducing migration and invasion in three pancreatic cancer cell lines. It reversed CXCL12-induced EMT by downregulating mesenchymal markers and restoring epithelial markers. CBD inhibited the long non-coding RNA MALAT1, and its overexpression reversed CBD effects. CBD plus gemcitabine showed synergistic inhibition of EMT and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling without additional cytotoxicity.
Why it matters
Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst prognoses of any cancer, largely because it metastasizes aggressively. If CBD can inhibit the EMT process that enables spread, it could complement existing chemotherapy, though this remains preclinical evidence.
The numbers in context
Tested in 3 cell lines; suppressed CXCR4/CXCR7, MMP-2/9; inhibited MALAT1 lncRNA; reversed EMT markers; synergy with gemcitabine in 3D spheroid models.
How the study worked
In vitro studies using MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1, and AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines. Assessed CBD effects on EMT markers, MALAT1 expression, PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and invasion/migration. 3D spheroid models used for combination therapy with gemcitabine.
What this study cannot tell us
All work done in cell lines and 3D spheroids, not in animals or humans. CBD concentrations used in vitro may not be achievable in vivo. Pancreatic tumors in patients have complex microenvironments not captured by cell culture.
How to read the evidence
Cell line and 3D spheroid studies demonstrating mechanism, but no in vivo or clinical data.
When this study was published
2025 publication
The bigger picture
The identification of MALAT1 as a specific molecular target of CBD in pancreatic cancer adds mechanistic depth to earlier observations of CBD anti-cancer properties. The synergy with gemcitabine without added toxicity is particularly relevant for a cancer with limited treatment options.
Questions still open
- Would CBD show anti-metastatic effects in animal models of pancreatic cancer?
- What CBD doses would be needed to achieve MALAT1 inhibition in human pancreatic tissue?
Common questions
Can CBD help with pancreatic cancer?
How does CBD affect cancer metastasis?
Read the original research
Cannabidiol Suppresses EMT in Pancreatic Cancer via Inhibition of MALAT1 lncRNA and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway.
IUBMB life, 77(8), e70042
Citation
Kim, Na Young; Jung, Young Yun; Um, Jae-Young; Ahn, Kwang Seok. (2025). Cannabidiol Suppresses EMT in Pancreatic Cancer via Inhibition of MALAT1 lncRNA and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway.. IUBMB life, 77(8), e70042. https://doi.org/10.1002/iub.70042
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