CBD Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Progression, Say Researchers In New Study

Colon cancer is the third most deadly cancer in both men and women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 107 000 new cases have been diagnosed in 2023 alone.

Researchers have been suggesting that cannabinoids, the active compounds found in cannabis, have anti-cancer properties and might even help to kill cancer cells. From a recent study that proved medicinal marijuana is a "safe and effective complementary treatment for pain relief in patients with cancer" to companies like Cannabotech, which is working on cannabinoid-based drugs touted as a tool to eliminating cancer cells, authoritative research on the topic is growing.

Anti-Tumor Effects Of CBD

A new study published last month in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis took a closer look at the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on the microenvironment of tumors formed by malignant colon cancer cells.

The study analyzed the specific anti-cancer mechanism of CBD by utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell ATAC sequencing (scATAC-seq) technologies.

Scientists from Nanjing, Sichuan and Shanghai Jiao Tong Universities found that CBD has a positive effect on shaping the tumor microenvironment, preventing tumor progression.

Why is the tumor microenvironment important?

The microenvironment of tumor cells can affect their development and growth. As such, successful treatment often necessitates a combination of drugs that target the vascular system supplying the cells and immune system, which could both combat and/or aid them and the malignant cells themselves, according to Cell Press.

In terms of colorectal tumors, they tend to create an immunosuppressive microenvironment that results in preventing tumors from giving a positive response to immunotherapy.

"CBD inhibits colorectal cancer progression by modulating the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME)," the researchers said.

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