Preliminary research indicates cannabis compounds cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC) could have potential in treating ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is a condition where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. It’s considered one of the deadliest gynecological malignancies, characterized by vague symptoms that can often lead to a late diagnosis; making treatment and long-term survival more challenging. There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer.
According to Australia’s Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, around 1,800 Australian women are diagnosed yearly and 70% are found at advanced stages. Whereas early detection results in an overall 5-year survival rate around 90% (Stage I), the survival rate is less than 30% for advanced stages (Stage III/IV).
In terms of treatment, research out of Thailand suggests cannabis could potentially play a role as an important tool.
The research looked into the anti-tumor effects of CBD, THC and their combination on SKOV3 and A2780 ovarian cancer cells. The CBD: THC combination treatment showed potent, selective cytotoxicity at 48 hours. Cytotoxicity is the capacity of a substance or agent to cause damage or death to living cells; in this case cancer. In the research, healthy cells were not affected.
While both compounds slowed the ability of cancer cells to reproduce, the strongest effects manifested when CBD and THC were used concurrently in a 1:1 ratio. The compounds also prevented cells from migrating, which means they might be able to stop ovarian cancer spreading to other parts of the body. This is a process called metastases; a common cause of death among ovarian cancer patients. .
“The combination may represent a promising targeted therapeutic approach, warranting further in vivo validation to elucidate its clinical potential,” the research states.
And on that point, it’s important to note this work was conducted “in vitro”, which means performed in a controlled, artificial environment, outside a living organism. “In vivo” is a step crucial for determining whether a substance can be safely and effectively used clinically.
Dr Siyao Tong of Khon Kaen University, lead author of the related article published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, said:
“By confirming their anti-cancer activity and identifying key molecular mechanisms, our findings are expected to drive further preclinical research. If future studies confirm these effects, CBD-THC combination therapy may ultimately contribute to the development of new treatment strategies.”
