The potential of cannabinoids in the treatment of lung cancer

Introduction: Lung cancer is the number-one cause of death due to neoplasms worldwide. The 5-year overall survival rate only 22%. In advanced stages, therapeutic options are limited chemotherapy, radiotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Phytocannabinoids, components Cannabis sativa, their synthetic derivatives endogenous cannabinoids have demonstrated anticancer activity in various common cancers - breast, prostate, colorectal lung cancers, among others. aim this review was assess potential value treatment cancer.
 State knowledge: majority preclinical studies demonstrates that inhibit cell viability both vitro vivo. main mechanism induction apoptosis, triggered by activation CB1, CB2 TRPV1 receptors or independently via other pathways. Cannabinoids influence tumour microenvironment associated fibroblasts, macrophages lymphokine-activated-killer cells. alter leukocyte infiltration into anti-cancer proportions, expression EGFR PAI-1 increase TIMP-1. As a result they induce cytotoxicity, decrease proliferation, migration invasive cells, suppress angiogenesis metastasis forming. Patients with may also benefit from analgesic, antiemetic appetite improving properties cannabinoids.
 Summary: can be supplementary agent systemic regimen future. exact mechanisms action, specific doses treatment, routes administration interactions drugs has yet determined. Thus clinical on should performed