When can cannabis complicate cancer treatment?


Primarily due to its antiemetic and analgesic effects. In addition, cannabis may offer therapeutic benefits improving cancer, which is why emerging research will focus on this issue. The presence of cannabinoids may provide prevention against cancer cell multiplication, reduce tumor growth, and even potentially kill cancer cells.





Although the art of cannabis fighting cancer is cause for joy, the complex relationship between cannabis and cancer is still not fully understood. Scientists continue to investigate and explore the role of the endocannabinoid system in cancer development and whether certain cannabinoids can influence cancer cell reproduction.

The biggest challenge is the very limited amount of information about the connection between cancer, the immune system, and cannabis. A recent retrospective observational study suggested that cannabis could be harmful for cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. Today, immunotherapy is a standard care in tumor treatment.


Cannabinoids may boost the immune system

"Immunotherapy works by using certain drugs, like Nivolumab, that stimulate the immune system, thereby destroying cancer cells," explains Dr. Chanda Macias, Ph.D., director of the National Holistic Healing Center.

Immunotherapy sends compounds produced by the body or artificially in a laboratory that modify or restore immune system function to stop or slow cancer cell growth.

Macias has been working with medical cannabis for over 15 years. While she sees potential in cannabis for cancer treatment, she warns that combining immunotherapy and cannabis can be very dangerous.

"It was found that compounds in cannabis have immunomodulatory effects," says Macias. Immunomodulation down-regulates the intensity of immune response duration and can even trigger immunoactivity.

This makes cannabis an ideal medication for inflammation or autoimmune diseases caused by immune system hyperactivity. However, for people undergoing immunotherapy, it is not as effective.

Certain cannabinoids can stimulate regulatory T cells. This stimulation leads to immunomodulation and prevents immune reactions, which can dampen immunotherapy effects - a treatment aimed at strengthening the immune system to fight cancer cells.

THC is a known immunomodulator. But CBD can also pose problems for immunotherapy. "It's possible that CBD can cause a similar reduced reaction, as CBD also reduces inflammation and may interfere with the body's immune response to immunotherapy," Macias explains.


More experiments about cannabis and cancer are needed

Although available research is very insufficient, some studies already confirm that patients who did not use cannabis responded to immunotherapy up to 3 times better.

Data was collected from 140 patients for this study. These patients had three types of cancer: melanoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and renal carcinoma. All underwent treatment with Nivolumab, a common immunotherapy medication.

89 patients received Nivolumab alone, while the remaining 51 received a combination of Nivolumab and medical cannabis. The second group (those who received medical cannabis) showed a lower response to immunotherapy (37.5% VS 15.9%).

In patients with renal carcinoma and melanoma, particularly significant differences were observed: unlike 10% of patients given both substances, 40.6% of patients who received Nivolumab alone responded to treatment. The dosage, form, or duration of cannabis administration played no role. Statistical analyses revealed that cannabis was the only significant factor that could reduce immunotherapy response.

"Before undergoing immunotherapy combined with cannabis, it is necessary to ensure that it does not affect immunotherapy due to the anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis," concludes Dr. Macias.




Article Author: Emma Stone
Article Source: leafly.com

Photo Source: flickr.com (author: Oregon State University), pixabay.com (author: M. Maggs)

Similar Articles

Tags

Author: Karolína