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View Full Version : Marijuana Cuts Tumor Growth by 50%



Hardrock69
05-09-2011, 09:49 AM
http://preventdisease.com/news/10/120310_marijuana_cuts_tumor_growth.shtml


The active ingredient in marijuana cuts tumor growth in common lung cancer in half and significantly reduces the ability of the cancer to spread, say researchers at Harvard University who tested the chemical in both lab and mouse studies.

They say this is the first set of experiments to show that the compound, Delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), inhibits EGF-induced growth and migration in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressing non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. Lung cancers that over-express EGFR are usually highly aggressive and resistant to chemotherapy.

THC that targets cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 is similar in function to endocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids that are naturally produced in the body and activate these receptors. The researchers suggest that THC or other designer agents that activate these receptors might be used in a targeted fashion to treat lung cancer.

"The beauty of this study is that we are showing that a substance of abuse, if used prudently, may offer a new road to therapy against lung cancer," said Anju Preet, Ph.D., a researcher in the Division of Experimental Medicine.

Acting through cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, endocannabinoids (as well as THC) are thought to play a role in variety of biological functions, including pain and anxiety control, and inflammation. Although a medical derivative of THC, known as Marinol, has been approved for use as an appetite stimulant for cancer patients, and a small number of U.S. states allow use of medical marijuana to treat the same side effect, few studies have shown that THC might have anti-tumor activity, Preet says. The only clinical trial testing THC as a treatment against cancer growth was a recently completed British pilot study in human glioblastoma.

In the present study, the researchers first demonstrated that two different lung cancer cell lines as well as patient lung tumor samples express CB1 and CB2, and that non-toxic doses of THC inhibited growth and spread in the cell lines. "When the cells are pretreated with THC, they have less EGFR stimulated invasion as measured by various in-vitro assays," Preet said.

Then, for three weeks, researchers injected standard doses of THC into mice that had been implanted with human lung cancer cells, and found that tumors were reduced in size and weight by about 50 percent in treated animals compared to a control group. There was also about a 60 percent reduction in cancer lesions on the lungs in these mice as well as a significant reduction in protein markers associated with cancer progression, Preet says.

Although the researchers do not know why THC inhibits tumor growth, they say the substance could be activating molecules that arrest the cell cycle. They speculate that THC may also interfere with angiogenesis and vascularization, which promotes cancer growth.

Preet says much work is needed to clarify the pathway by which THC functions, and cautions that some animal studies have shown that THC can stimulate some cancers. "THC offers some promise, but we have a long way to go before we know what its potential is," she said.

kwame k
05-09-2011, 10:32 AM
I knew there was a reason I got my Medical Mary Jane card ;)

Seshmeister
05-09-2011, 02:37 PM
Lung cancer is terrifying, 95% of people don't survive 5 years and if you smoke cigarettes you have a 10% chance of getting it.

Interesting study, I thought the research was that a joint was the equivalent of 5 cigarettes carcinogen wise?

I haven't smoked dope in years, I'm too worried about it being a gateway drug back onto tobacco...

Nitro Express
05-09-2011, 03:57 PM
I heard on the news this morning that Utah has busted several people from Montana for having medical marijuana in their car. When they produce their card they say that may be valid in Montana but it's a crime here. It's all about raising money for the state coffers more than anything.

binnie
05-09-2011, 05:45 PM
Lung cancer is terrifying, 95% of people don't survive 5 years and if you smoke cigarettes you have a 10% chance of getting it.

Interesting study, I thought the research was that a joint was the equivalent of 5 cigarettes carcinogen wise?

I haven't smoked dope in years, I'm too worried about it being a gateway drug back onto tobacco...

Lung cancer is terrifying.

I'm not the sort of person who is viscerally anti-smoking: I am the sort of person who doesn't understand why anyone would smoke.

Seshmeister
05-09-2011, 06:08 PM
It brings it's own rewards but yeah I do think that I was a bit silly for 20 years there.

binnie
05-09-2011, 06:13 PM
Excessive drinking is pretty 'silly' too.

Whenever I drive through town on a Friday/Saturday night, I'm always surprised by the number of people Waaaaaaaay past 30. Not dignified, and not good for your health.

It never ceases to amaze me how easily drinkers have it compared to smokers. Ever seen anyone drink themselves to death? It's ugly.....

Nitro Express
05-09-2011, 07:02 PM
You guys sound like a bunch of old farts. I bet when you were 18 you drove 120 down a road with an open beer in your hand on the way to score some pot. :biggrin:

Seshmeister
05-09-2011, 07:50 PM
Excessive drinking is pretty 'silly' too.

Whenever I drive through town on a Friday/Saturday night, I'm always surprised by the number of people Waaaaaaaay past 30. Not dignified, and not good for your health.

It never ceases to amaze me how easily drinkers have it compared to smokers. Ever seen anyone drink themselves to death? It's ugly.....


Depends what you mean by excessive. :)

You ever see someone bored to death...?

kwame k
05-09-2011, 10:34 PM
Lung cancer is terrifying, 95% of people don't survive 5 years and if you smoke cigarettes you have a 10% chance of getting it.

Interesting study, I thought the research was that a joint was the equivalent of 5 cigarettes carcinogen wise?

I haven't smoked dope in years, I'm too worried about it being a gateway drug back onto tobacco...

That's why you have to do edibles or get one of these http://marijuanavaporizer.com/

FORD
05-09-2011, 10:57 PM
I would think that would be an absolute requirement for a lung cancer patient. If your lungs are already fucked up, you probably shouldn't be smoking anything. Just bake some brownies, and take care of the medication and the munchies at the same time.