Cannabis has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries – today it is increasingly coming into focus in connection with cancer treatments. Particularly exciting: research is investigating whether cannabinoids such as CBD and THC can have positive effects on skin cancer. Initial studies suggest that cannabis not only alleviates symptoms, but could also actively intervene in the development of cancer.
Skin cancer: the most common type of cancer worldwide
Millions of new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed worldwide every year. There are three main forms:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): usually less aggressive, but most common
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): can grow more invasively, but is often easily treatable
- Melanoma: the most dangerous form, as it forms metastases early on
Common therapies are surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, these procedures can have considerable side effects – and they are not always successful. This is where research into cannabis as a complementary option comes in.
How cannabis could work for skin cancer
The effectiveness of cannabis is based on its cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, which interact closely with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system regulates processes such as cell growth, immune response and pain perception.
- Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant
CBD is considered to have a particularly strong anti-inflammatory effect and protects cells from oxidative stress. This could stabilize healthy skin cells and slow down the progression of cancer.
- Promotion of cell death (apoptosis)
Studies show that both THC and CBD can trigger the programmed cell death of tumor cells – without damaging healthy tissue.
- Inhibition of tumor growth & metastases
Cannabinoids can slow down the division of cancer cells and thus curb the spread of aggressive skin cancers such as melanoma.
- Stopping angiogenesis
Cancer cells need blood vessels in order to grow. THC and CBD can inhibit this process of vascularization (angiogenesis) – tumours are literally “starved”.
- Pain relief and symptom control
THC-containing preparations are known for their analgesic effect. They can significantly alleviate pain, itching and inflammation caused by skin cancer and its treatment.
- Support for conventional therapies
Recent data suggests that cannabinoids could increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. By sensitizing cancer cells, even lower doses of conventional drugs could be possible – with fewer side effects.
- Local treatment options
Cannabis topicals (creams, ointments, oils) can be applied directly to affected areas of skin. In this way, the cannabinoids have a targeted effect without systemic side effects – an exciting approach, especially for early skin cancer stages or precursors.
Research: promising, but still in its infancy
Most of the results to date come from cell and animal studies:
A study (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2020) showed that THC kills melanoma cells in the laboratory.
In mouse models, cannabinoids were able to slow down the growth of skin tumors.
Initial approaches with topical cannabis preparations suggest that tumors can be reduced in size directly on the skin.
However, large-scale clinical studies on humans are still lacking. So far, there have only been individual case reports and smaller studies. More controlled research is needed to firmly integrate cannabis into skin cancer therapy.
Limits and challenges
Product diversity: Different cannabis varieties and formulations make it difficult to make uniform statements.
Legal situation: The regulation of cannabis is slowing down clinical trials in many places.
Long-term effects: So far, there is hardly any data on the long-term safety of cannabis therapy in cancer patients.
Conclusion: beacon of hope with potential
In research, cannabis shows promising approaches against skin cancer – from the inhibition of tumor growth to the alleviation of symptoms and the enhancement of conventional therapies.
But as exciting as the results are: Many clinical studies are still needed before cannabis becomes an integral part of skin cancer treatment. Until then, it remains a complementary option that patients should only use in close consultation with their doctor.
Source: https://cannawayz.com/blog/health-stories/cannabis-as-a-potential-aid-for-skin-cancer