Study: THC Inhibits the Growth of Melanoma
THC Molecule.
∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhibits melanoma tumor growth, according to a study published in the most recent issue of the journal Life Science, and published online by the National Institute of Health.
For the study, researchers “examined the effect of THC, which binds to CB receptors (CB1, CB2), on the growth of the mouse melanoma… in vitro and in vivo in wild type (WT) and CB1/CB2-receptor deficient mice (Cnr1/2-/-). Next we evaluated the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system by studying the growth of chemically induced melanomas, fibrosarcoma and papillomas in WT and Cnr1/2-/- mice.”
Researchers found that; “THC significantly inhibited tumor growth of transplanted HCmel12 melanomas in a CB receptor-dependent manner in vivo through antagonistic effects on its characteristic pro-inflammatory microenvironment. Chemically induced skin tumors developed in a similar manner in Cnr1/2-/- mice when compared to WT mice.”
They conclude; “Our results confirm the value of exogenous cannabinoids for the treatment of melanoma but do not support a role for the endogenous cannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of skin cancer.”
The study, conducted at the University of Bonn’s Department of Dermatology and Allergy, can be found by clicking here.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, which kills nearly 10,000 people annually.
– TheJointBlog