The endocannabinoid system as a target for the development of new drugs for cancer therapy
Bifulco, M.; Di Marzo, V.
Recenti Progressi in Medicina 94(5): 194-198
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-1193 PMID: 12723496 Document Number: 558168
Studies on the main bioactive components of Cannabis sativa, the cannabinoids, and particularly DELTA9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), led to the discovery of a new endogenous signalling system that controls several physiological and pathological conditions: the endocannabinoid system. This comprises the cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous agonists - the endocannabinoids - and proteins for endocannabinoid biosynthesis and inactivation. Recently, evidence has accumulated indicating that stimulation of cannabinoid receptors by either THC or the endocannabinoids influence the intracellular events controlling the proliferation and apoptosis of numerous types of cancer cells, thereby leading to anti-tumour effects both in vitro and in vivo. This evidence is reviewed here and suggests that future anti-cancer therapy might be developed from our knowledge of how the endocannabinoid system controls the growth and metastasis of malignant cells.