Use of cannabinoids in chemotherapy treatment

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a method to deliver chemotherapy in the treatment of liver cancer directly to malignant cells. However, without damaging other healthy cells. The method involves a combination of cannabidol, one of the active cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, and a low dose of doxorubicin. “Most anti-cancer treatments are not clearly specified, which means that chemotherapy attacks healthy cells along with malignant ones,” explains Professor Alexander Binshtok, head of research called the “Pain Plasticity Research Group” at the Hebrew University. The research is led by the Faculty of Medicine and the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences. “This leads to many of the serious side effects associated with chemotherapies. Eliminating cancer cells while leaving healthy ones intact is an important step towards improving the condition of patients”

Dr. Binshtok explains to the Jerusalem Post that doxorubicin is “very effective against cancer cells.” Furthermore, this doctor said that the liver contains a specific protein, TRPV2, which, when activated, creates a kind of channel in an otherwise impermeable membrane. Conversely, cancer cells do not have this membrane. CBD can be used to open this channel through which a small dose of chemotherapy can be delivered to kill cancer cells.

In the near future, thanks to its precision, this method could allow doctors to prescribe much smaller doses of chemotherapy, thereby significantly reducing the unpleasant effects of chemotherapy. The results of the study were published in the latest issue of Frontiers in Pharmacology.

Dr. Binshtok further stated that the path to human use will be relatively quick, immediately after the results of animal studies, without which, unfortunately, research cannot be done.

We are sure that our furry darlings will benefit from even just an experimental treatment!