Pros and Cons of the Cannabinoid System in Cancer: Focus on Hematological Malignancies.

ABSTRACT: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a composite cell-signaling system that allows endogenous cannabinoid ligands to control cell functions through the interaction with cannabinoid receptors. Modifications of the ECS might contribute to the pathogenesis of different diseases, including cancers. However, the use of these compounds as antitumor agents remains debatable. Pre-clinical experimental studies have shown that cannabinoids (CBs) might be effective for the treatment of hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Specifically, CBs may activate programmed cell death mechanisms, thus blocking cancer cell growth, and may modulate both autophagy and angiogenesis. Therefore, CBs may have significant anti-tumor effects in hematologic diseases and may synergistically act with c

SUBMITTER: Irrera N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8270322 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature