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Page 2
2. Inhibition of nausea and vomiting - These symptoms regularly accompany the administration of chemotherapeutic drugs. Cannabinoids apparently act on the CB1 receptors located in the stomach, duodenum, and colon to reduce motility (movement) due to the release of acetylcholine. They may also act on the portion of the brainstem that controls the vomiting reflex. Although cannabinoids are quite effective for this purpose, modern drugs have been developed that are more effective than previously.
4. Psychological effects - Marijuana is taken for its psychological effects, and cannabinoids properly administered may aid in reduction of anxiety and depression and improved sleep for cancer patients. However, information about these effects is still largely anecdotal. In 1985, the Food and Drug Administration approved the marketing of dronabinol, trade name Marinol. This product is THC, synthesized commercially rather than extracted from marijuana. It is approved for use in the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and for the treatment of loss of appetite associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS. It is classified as Schedule II (of medical benefit, but with high potential for abuse). It remains the only cannabinoid approved for medical treatment. Antitumor effects All evidence to date on the antitumor effects of cannabinoids is based on laboratory studies. Mouse studies have shown that lung carcinoma, glioma (brain tumors), thyroid epithelioma, lymphoma, leukemia, and skin carcinoma are sensitive to cannabinoids. In vitro (tissue culture) studies have shown effectiveness against uterine, breast, and prostate carcinomas, as well as neurocarcinoma. How do cannabinoids exert their effect? The binding of cannabinoids to their receptors stimulates biochemical-signaling processes that result in the inhibition of tumor cell growth. The processes include increases apoptosis (programmed cell death), cell-cycle arrest (required for multiplication of cells), inhibition of angiogenesis (blood vessel growth within the tumors), and inhibition of metastasis (spread of cancer to other parts of the body). Why should clinical trials be initiated with cannabinoids? Cannabinoids have a favorable drug safety profile, and do not produce the generalized toxic effects of most conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. Limited studies have shown that cannabinoid treatment does not result in marked alteration of a wide array of physiological, neurological, and blood tests.
The copyright of the article Cannabinoids for Cancer Treatment - Page 2 in Cancer Treatment is owned by . Permission to republish Cannabinoids for Cancer Treatment - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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