CANCER DISEASES

Causes of cancer

Despite intensive research efforts, it has still not been possible to determine the exact causes of cancer. It is assumed that numerous risk factors have an impact on the development of cancer. In some cases, genetic triggers are hidden behind a cancer disease. However, the lifestyle of affected individuals is also important. The most important risk factors include: 

  • a genetic predisposition
  • an unhealthy diet, such as eating too much red meat, an increased consumption of alcohol, and a lack of fiber, fruits and vegetables, which increases the risk of cancer in the gastrointestinal region
  • tobacco consumption, which may be responsible for the development of lung cancer or cancers of the respiratory tract
  • ionizing radiation such as X-rays, radon radiation or radiation accidents
  • environmental toxins
  • intense UV radiation, which can trigger skin cancer
  • certain infections such as HPV infections (human papillomaviruses) or hepatitis B infections 
 

For cancer patients, the effect of cannabis seems particularly promising: It helps against disease-related complaints and side effects of chemotherapy. Thus, cannabis can promote the quality of life of cancer patients and facilitate the therapy. In addition, there is evidence that cannabinoids even fight cancer cells and inhibit their growth. In the following, we take a closer look at how cannabis can be used in cancer.

All known chemotherapeutic agents damage fast-growing tissues, resulting in the familiar side effects such as hair loss, nausea, damage to blood formation, etc. The cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the most important ingredients of the cannabis plant, on the other hand, spare healthy cells and act specifically against cancer cells. Although there has been evidence of cancer inhibition by cannabis since the 1990s – cannabis smokers had significantly less lung cancer than would have been expected from the pollutants in the smoke – the potential to fight cancer has only been discovered in recent years. Now it is being intensively researched worldwide.

To date, several studies have been conducted that demonstrate the positive effects of cannabinoids in combating the growth of cancer cells and inducing their death through a process known as apoptosis. A 2009 study showed that THC inhibited the growth of certain brain cancer cells. A 2013 study showed how CBD can also affect these cells. In 2015, cannabinoids were also shown to be effective in inducing cell death from skin cancer. A 2011 study that came to similar conclusions in breast cancer. 

CANCER DISEASES

Causes of cancer

Despite intensive research efforts, it has still not been possible to determine the exact causes of cancer. It is assumed that numerous risk factors have an impact on the development of cancer. In some cases, genetic triggers are hidden behind a cancer disease. However, the lifestyle of affected individuals is also important. The most important risk factors include: 

  • a genetic predisposition
  • an unhealthy diet, such as eating too much red meat, an increased consumption of alcohol, and a lack of fiber, fruits and vegetables, which increases the risk of cancer in the gastrointestinal region
  • tobacco consumption, which may be responsible for the development of lung cancer or cancers of the respiratory tract
  • ionizing radiation such as X-rays, radon radiation or radiation accidents
  • environmental toxins
  • intense UV radiation, which can trigger skin cancer
  • certain infections such as HPV infections (human papillomaviruses) or hepatitis B infections 

 

For cancer patients, the effect of cannabis seems particularly promising: It helps against disease-related complaints and side effects of chemotherapy. Thus, cannabis can promote the quality of life of cancer patients and facilitate the therapy. In addition, there is evidence that cannabinoids even fight cancer cells and inhibit their growth. In the following, we take a closer look at how cannabis can be used in cancer.

All known chemotherapeutic agents damage fast-growing tissues, resulting in the familiar side effects such as hair loss, nausea, damage to blood formation, etc. The cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the most important ingredients of the cannabis plant, on the other hand, spare healthy cells and act specifically against cancer cells. Although there has been evidence of cancer inhibition by cannabis since the 1990s – cannabis smokers had significantly less lung cancer than would have been expected from the pollutants in the smoke – the potential to fight cancer has only been discovered in recent years. Now it is being intensively researched worldwide.

To date, several studies have been conducted that demonstrate the positive effects of cannabinoids in combating the growth of cancer cells and inducing their death through a process known as apoptosis. A 2009 study showed that THC inhibited the growth of certain brain cancer cells. A 2013 study showed how CBD can also affect these cells. In 2015, cannabinoids were also shown to be effective in inducing cell death from skin cancer. A 2011 study that came to similar conclusions in breast cancer. 

Cancer-fighting potential

Tetrahydrocannabinol can be a powerful agent in the fight against cancer in the body, which is supported by a large number of studies. 

Natural remedy against the disease

In contrast to chemotherapy, which also stresses the body’s own cells, THC has a gentle effect on the body’s own cells.

How Medical Marijuana Can Help Patients

CANCER

Medical Cannabis for Cancer: A Review of Supporting Studies

Introduction

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. While traditional cancer treatments primarily focus on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, medical cannabis has garnered significant interest for its potential therapeutic applications in cancer management. This review will discuss the evidence from several supporting studies that examine the potential benefits of medical cannabis in cancer treatment, including pain relief, alleviating chemotherapy-induced side effects, and potential anti-tumor effects.

Pain Relief

Cancer-related pain can be severe and often requires potent medications, such as opioids. However, opioids can cause numerous side effects and may not always provide adequate pain relief. Johnson et al.’s 2010 study found that patients who received a THC:CBD extract experienced significantly greater pain relief compared to those who received a placebo, supporting the use of medical cannabis as an adjunct treatment for cancer pain when conventional analgesics fail to provide sufficient relief.

Chemotherapy-Induced Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, which can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Medical cannabis has shown promise in alleviating these symptoms. Duran et al.’s 2010 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of an oromucosal standardized cannabis extract in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The results showed a significant improvement in patients who received the cannabis extract compared to those who received a placebo, suggesting that medical cannabis may be an effective option for managing chemotherapy-induced side effects.

Potential Anti-Tumor Effects

There is growing preclinical evidence suggesting that cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, may have anti-tumor effects. However, it is important to note that most of these studies have been conducted in vitro or in animal models, and more research is needed to establish the clinical relevance of these findings. Velasco et al.’s 2012 review summarizes the current knowledge on the potential anti-tumor effects of cannabinoids, highlighting their ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and reduce angiogenesis in various cancer cell types. While these preclinical findings are promising, further research, including clinical trials, is required to fully understand the potential role of medical cannabis in cancer treatment and to determine the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids as anti-tumor agents.

Safety and Side Effects

As with any medication, it is essential to consider the potential side effects and safety concerns associated with medical cannabis use for cancer patients. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function. In some cases, medical cannabis may interact with other medications or treatments, so it is crucial for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate the potential risks and benefits of medical cannabis for each patient and closely monitor treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

The current evidence on the efficacy of medical cannabis for cancer treatment is promising but limited. There is substantial support for its use in managing cancer-related pain and chemotherapy-induced side effects. However, more rigorous research, including large-scale clinical trials, is needed to draw definitive conclusions about the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis for cancer treatment, particularly in terms of its potential anti-tumor effects. In the meantime, healthcare professionals should remain informed about the latest research developments and engage in open discussions with their patients about the potential risks and benefits of using medical cannabis for cancer treatment.
 

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