How the Endocannabinoid System Influences Cancer: A Mini-Review

This review summarizes how the endocannabinoid system influences cancer through CB1 and CB2 receptor activation. Preclinical studies show cannabinoids can inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), and suppress angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation). However, tumor heterogeneity, variable patient responses, and cannabinoid pharmacokinetic challenges remain significant barriers to clinical application.

Mini-review of preclinical and early clinical literature on the endocannabinoid system's role in cancer biology, focusing on key mechanisms of cannabinoid-cancer interaction.

Cancer treatment is in constant need of new approaches. The endocannabinoid system's ability to influence multiple cancer-relevant processes (growth, death, blood supply) makes it a compelling therapeutic target, even though clinical evidence remains limited.

While preclinical results are encouraging, the gap between lab findings and clinical reality remains wide. Tumor heterogeneity means cannabinoids may work against some cancer types but not others, and optimizing delivery to achieve therapeutic concentrations without psychoactive effects is an ongoing challenge.

Mini-review, not systematic. Primarily preclinical evidence. Cancer types and models vary widely across studies. Pharmacokinetic challenges not fully addressed. Risk of publication bias toward positive preclinical results.