How Cannabinoids May Fight the Deadliest Brain Cancer Through Autophagy

Glioblastoma harbors alterations in the endocannabinoid system including changes in CB1 and CB2 receptor expression. Cannabinoid activation of these receptors suppresses proliferation and invasion while activating autophagy pathways. Preclinical studies show cannabinoids reduce GBM growth and enhance chemotherapy responsiveness. Early clinical studies indicate favorable safety profiles and potential survival benefits.

Comprehensive review synthesizing molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid-induced autophagy and anticancer activity in glioblastoma, covering cell line, animal model, and early clinical data.

Glioblastoma has an average survival of only 14 months despite treatment. Cannabinoids represent a mechanistically distinct approach that targets cancer cells through autophagy, a pathway not exploited by current therapies.

Autophagy plays dual roles in cancer, sometimes promoting tumor survival and sometimes triggering cell death. Understanding how cannabinoids specifically tip this balance toward cancer cell death in GBM could lead to novel combination therapies.

Most evidence is preclinical. Clinical data is limited to early-phase studies. Cannabinoid doses used in preclinical studies may not be achievable in the human brain. Autophagy can paradoxically promote tumor survival under some conditions.