Abstract Description

Research on cannabinoids and cancer, particularly breast cancer, is expanding rapidly. As medicinal cannabis extracts and cannabidiol (CBD) oils become increasingly prevalent in the market, a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacological behaviour of these phytochemicals is necessary. Several studies indicate that specific cannabinoids or their combinations can induce paraptosis-like cell death in hormone-responsive breast cancer cells, potentially because of mitochondrial calcium overload. Additional research demonstrates that cannabidiol (CBD) activates receptors such as transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), which leads to oxidative signalling and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in these cells. Ongoing investigations are also examining the potential interactions between cannabis and conventional breast cancer therapies. In our ongoing research we address the translational implications of these findings by reviewing the clinical paradox of cannabis use in oncology: Is the concurrent use of cannabinoids with standard breast cancer therapies beneficial or a harmful effect? We have investigated potential formulations that could be developed as a pharmaceutical product targeted for the use in treating breast cancer.