Research shows ‘remarkable’ effects of cannabis in treatment of skin cancer

A cannabis extract has shown positive results in slowing down melanoma cell growth and increasing cell death rates in skin cancer, a new in-vitro study has found.

Researchers from Charles Darwin University (CDU) and RMIT investigated programmed cell death caused by a specific extract (cannabinoid PHEC-66) from the cannabis plant. 

According to the authors, the results highlighted the ‘remarkable anticancer effects of PHEC-66’ on melanoma cells, however, the mechanism behind this mode of action requires further investigation. 

The study, which was part of a PhD project by RMIT’s Dr Ava Bachari, found that the extract binds to receptor sites on particular melanoma cells, then controls the growth of cells at two pivotal phases and increases the amount of damage to the cells.

CDU pharmaceutical lecturer and co-author Dr Nazim Nassar said this damage effectively manipulates the cell into killing itself.

“The damage to the melanoma cell prevents it from dividing into new cells, and instead begins a programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis,” Dr Nassar explained in a university news release.

“This is a growing area of important research because we need to understand cannabis extracts as much as possible, especially their potential to function as anticancer agents.

“If we know how they react to cancer cells, particularly in the cause of cell death, we can refine treatment techniques to be more specific, responsive and effective.”

Writing in the paper’s conclusion, the authors state: “These findings imply that PHEC-66 might have potential as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of malignant melanoma. However, it is essential to conduct further preclinical investigations to delve deeper into its potential and efficacy.”

READ MORE: Cannabis and cancer: everything you need to know 

‘Revolutionising’ cancer treatment

Dr Nassar said the next challenge was developing targeted delivery system development to the melanoma cells to get it ready for pre-clinical trials. 

“Advanced delivery systems still need to be fully developed, underscoring the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure the proper and effective use of these agents at target sites,” he said.

Dr Nassar specialises in cancer cell biology, pharmacology, drug delivery systems, and drug disposition and dynamics.

A practising pharmacist and pharmacologist, he has co-authored several papers on applying cannabinoids in melanoma treatment, the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in prostate cancer and an overview of current melanoma treatment. 

He said that while the use of cannabis extracts to treat a variety of health conditions is stigmatised, future research into its application could revolutionise cancer treatment.  

“Clinical uses of cannabis extracts include treatment for anxiety, cancer-related symptoms, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Intensive research into its potential for killing melanoma cells is only the start as we investigate how this knowledge can be applied to treating different types of cancers.”

Lead author and RMIT biotechnologist Professor Nitin Mantri emphasised the necessity for a long-term follow-up to ensure the sustained effectiveness and safety of the PHEC-66 extract in cancer treatment over extended periods. 

He stressed the importance of testing the safety profile of the extract before its widespread adoption.

“The subsequent stage involves animal studies or pre-clinical trials to validate and further explore the efficacy of cannabinoid PHEC-66 in treating melanoma and other cancers,” Professor Mantri said.

He highlighted the critical collaboration with Dr Nassar, emphasising the need for support and sponsorship from pharmaceutical companies to qualify PHEC-66 as a registered medicine. 

This support is essential for advancing the development and application of cannabis extracts in cancer treatment, leveraging Dr Nassar’s expertise as a healthcare professional, pharmacologist, and pharmaceutical scientist.

The paper was published in Cells journal.