Breakthrough Discovered in Medical Marijuana Cancer Treatment

Researchers learned that cannabinoids have been associated with anti-carcinogenic effects, which are responsible in preventing or delaying the development of cancer.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A new study reveals that Medical Marijuana can be an effective treatment for cancer, that is the word announced by doctors in Germany who concluded that this clarification of the mechanism of cannabinoid action may help investigators to further explore their therapeutic benefit.

The medical article was originally published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute Advance Access and online on December 25th 2007.

Cancer cells that were treated with combinations of cannabinoids, antagonists of cannabinoid receptors, and small interfering ribo nucleic acid or 'siRNA' to tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) were assessed for invasiveness, protein expression, and activation of signal transduction pathways.

The biggest contribution of this breakthrough discovery, is that the expression of TIMP-1 was shown to be stimulated by cannabinoid receptor activation and to mediate the anti-invasive effect of cannabinoids.

In other words, they learned that treatment with cannabinoids, one of the active ingredients of the medicinal side of marijuana, has been shown to reduce the invasiveness of cancer cells. Prior to now the cellular mechanisms underlying this effect were unclear and the relevance of the findings to the behavior of tumor cells in vivo remains to be determined.

It is already known that marijuana can stimulate the appetite of patients, but researchers have learned that cannabinoids, in addition to having palliative benefits in cancer therapy, have been associated with anti-carcinogenic effects, which are responsible in preventing or delaying the development of cancer.

"Although the anti-proliferative activities of cannabinoids have been intensively investigated, little is known about their effects on tumor invasion," the article stated.

In this now completed round of research, Matrigel-coated and uncoated Boyden chambers were used to quantify invasiveness and migration, respectively, of human cervical cancer 'HeLa' cells that had been treated with cannabinoids.

The stable anandamide analog R(+)-methanandamide 'MA' and the phytocannabinoid 9-tetrahydrocannabinol 'THC' in the presence or absence of antagonists of the CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptors or of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) or inhibitors of p38 or p42/44 mitogen–activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.

A method known as 'reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction' and immunoblotting were used to assess the influence of cannabinoids on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and endogenous tissue inhibitors. The role of TIMP-1 in the anti-invasive action of cannabinoids was analyzed by transfecting HeLa, human cervical carcinoma, or human lung carcinoma cells cells with siRNA targeting TIMP-1.

Without modifying migration, MA and THC caused a time and concentration-dependent suppression of HeLa cell invasion through Matrigel that was accompanied by increased expression of TIMP-1.

At the lowest concentrations tested, MA and THC led to a decrease in cell invasion.

"The stimulation of TIMP-1 expression and suppression of cell invasion were reversed by pretreatment of cells with antagonists to CB1 or CB2 receptors, with inhibitors of MAPKs, or, in the case of MA, with an antagonist to TRPV1. Knockdown of cannabinoid-induced TIMP-1 expression by siRNA led to a reversal of the cannabinoid-elicited decrease in tumor cell invasiveness in HeLa, A549, and C33A cells."

The researchers concluded that increased expression of TIMP-1 mediates an anti-invasive effect of cannabinoids. That means that in our future, cannabinoids may offer a therapeutic option in the treatment of highly invasive cancers.

Special thanks to the JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, and to Burkhard Hinz, PhD, Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Rostock and the affiliation of authors: Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Rostock in Rostock, Germany.

The original report published by Oxford University Press was titled, "Inhibition of Cancer Cell Invasion by Cannabinoids via Increased Expression of Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinases-1Robert Ramer, Burkhard Hinz."

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Comments

Comments are Closed on this story.

Edgar Degas May 3, 2013 6:35 am (Pacific time)

The truth is out there. Read about Corrie Yellend who cured her cancer using concentrated cannabis oil by doing a simple Google search. The search will also provide a link to her interview on CannabisNation Radio. This medicine should be available to every human in need of a cure for their disease. Additionallly cannabis should be legalized, so that every consenting adult should be able to consume cannabis in a responsible way and not be in danger of losing their job due to drug testing. Prohibition must end.

make it legal12 June 9, 2012 1:00 am (Pacific time)

its bout damn time they realize how good pot is

ganjasmoka426 November 6, 2011 7:05 am (Pacific time)

The government is jus a bunch of lazy ass lil bitches who never get shit done...I'm a native an we've always known not to trust them.. LEGALIZE THE BUDZ!! My mom has cancer an needs the ganja

smoke weedxz everydhay October 21, 2011 8:39 pm (Pacific time)

SMOKE WEEDXZ EVERYDHAY

DAB October 19, 2011 3:45 am (Pacific time)

If the medical community wants to patent and dispense pot as a cancer treatment ete..that is fine but for the general population to start smoking it on a daily basis is pretty crazy. I understand that it makes people hungry and lethargic. Don't we have way too many lethargic, over eaters in this country? Obesity is a major problem in this country, killing hundreds of thousands every year and costing the tax payers millions. Just because it treats already exsisting cancers, doesn't also mean that using it every day is going to prevent all cancers, which pot heads are trying to imply. As a school teacher, I have seen the damaging effect pot smoking has had on many, many children. And just because something is natural, doesnt' make it "good", poisin mushrooms are natural. If it can be used to "cure" cancer, then I'm all for it's medicinal use, but it is NOT being regulated at all in CA. That's dangerous!

July 1, 2011 2:54 pm (Pacific time)

weed kills

MGV April 19, 2011 5:41 am (Pacific time)

Marijuana is good medication..

MGV April 19, 2011 5:38 am (Pacific time)

Marijuana is good medication..

420ryg February 16, 2011 3:48 pm (Pacific time)

I havent read one good explanation on y marijuana should be illegal.

Anom November 24, 2010 11:19 am (Pacific time)

Cannabis is a natural PLANT that has many great uses.
How so many people are ignorant of this I dunno. But it's pathetic and childish.

Terry November 17, 2010 4:43 pm (Pacific time)

Marijuana just became legal for medical use in Az. I am in stage 3 cancer and just started a 6 month battle with chemo and i plan on getting my card within the next 90 days.I also have chronic back pain herniated disk taking 160mg of oxycodone daily so this law comes at a good time for me, and i hope its not to late for me as i belive the marijuana would slow down or kill the remaining cancer cells in my body. But the bigger questions is with information like this that it may be a cure or even slow down cancer why wouldnt i not want to smoke it, it wont kill me but only give me a better chance of living longer, if the government came out witha pill that said this will make you live longer you would take it, so what the difference let us smoke the evidence is there and i hope every politician thats against medical marijuna dies and suffers of the worst cancer you can have. Then when there on there death bed and they were offered a joint to save there live lets see how fast they would lite that joint up.It has time and time again shown positive affects for use yet its like hell to get it approved for even medical use but morphine is giving daily and it is made by man alcohol is legal pot is not man made liquor and god made pot. I cant wait to get my card and go pick out my first bag of medical marijuna and in Az you can get 2.5 OZ every 14 days thats plenty and i can get read of all my pain pills , insomnia pills nausea pills and anxiety pills and bring back one of the best cures for disease and that is laughter and happiness. The biggest cash crop in the world all natural and its regulated so the government can make money, when they could actually tax it make it legal and get our country of of our deficit.And drug cartels suddenly vanish and crime goes down and people are out of pain i hope that this article of marijuna curring cancer is just the start of something big. I hate having cancer and im fighting for my life and if research shows it can maybe kill cancer why wouldn't i want it or why wouldn't anybody want it. I should be able to get my first legal bag in the summer of 2011 according to the state officials, but i can get my card within 3 months. I cant wait Good luck to everyone else in other states, and lets hope research proves more positive results in the cure for this nasty disease The big Casino.

EMarie November 11, 2010 9:13 am (Pacific time)

Also, the way they will spin this will be by not reporting on it widely at all

EMarie November 11, 2010 9:10 am (Pacific time)

There is no such thing as "good" and "bad" plants; they just exist and have the right to exist - just like humans and animals too. Human kind should not be trying to completely make illegal or eradicate a plant just as they should not be trying to eradicate other species or other races.

jb November 9, 2010 3:59 pm (Pacific time)

THC makes freckles get lighter and finally goes away

Dy and Nay Nay October 19, 2010 6:20 am (Pacific time)

herb is the healing of the nation!!!

Ganja Boy October 17, 2010 1:11 am (Pacific time)

I agree with what you have to say. I would like to see a continuation of this research, I feel that this has strong potential for being a "real" cure for cancer. I only wonder how the tests were perused, through vaporization or by the oil. Some argue you get more healing properties when you ingest or utilize the oil. Vaporizing seems to have less healing abilities, but it's a matter of opinion because of the physiological affects it has. Just like you believe you are better and in just thinking you are better, you have actually made your body heal it's self. Keep researching!

Anonymous October 14, 2010 12:54 pm (Pacific time)

marijuana is a medicen not a drug this goverment just dosent get it they just might as well take pills away reserch shows that pills such as"perkesets" eat your liver! marijuana might not keep you in good shape but tell me this would you rather gain a lil weight or DIE OF CANCER! VOTE FOR MARIJUANA!!!!!!

GINA September 26, 2010 4:50 am (Pacific time)

RECENTLEY THEY HAD A SPECIAL LOOKING FOR A CURE FOR CANCER WHY ARNT THAY LOOKIN HERE

kassie May 6, 2010 10:10 am (Pacific time)

what is the worst that happens?...you get hungry, and maybe a little lazy! But arent most american anyways? cigarette, alohcol are just as bad if not worse!!!

M.B. April 5, 2010 10:37 am (Pacific time)

Why news like this doesn't make it to the evening news, or the front page of yahoo.com is a crime! Lets do something about this wonderful plant! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=photosandgid=112145738803228#!/group.php?gid=112145738803228andref=nf

Henry Healer January 8, 2010 12:29 am (Pacific time)

MarijuanaCuresCancer.net All the info you will ever need about medical marijuana and cancer.

cannabis*concubine December 6, 2009 1:40 pm (Pacific time)

"it's not a drug, it's a leaf!" -Governator Schwarzneggar

Erin November 28, 2009 10:38 pm (Pacific time)

This is so sad for I care for so many dying patients of not just Cancer but many other illness and I know for a fact marijuana is a medicine not a "Drug" like the government so much portrays. We need to act and make this medicine available to all patients in need!!!!

evad likes you August 22, 2009 7:51 am (Pacific time)

i love all you positive thinkers who are aware of the good this herb can do for cancer like me,but i'm in IN.abad state to get help with herb?

itteld August 22, 2009 7:40 am (Pacific time)

i have cancer and pain in my gut i have no way for help in state IN,as methadone,now. My state is helpless

moses ravoori July 13, 2009 11:23 pm (Pacific time)

what ever GOD gave to us is good. We should know how to use it .PRAISE THE LORD.

a pot head May 4, 2009 5:12 am (Pacific time)

i think thats its quite interesting that, it helps you... as you get stoned....SMOKE WEED

not blind yet March 3, 2009 6:05 am (Pacific time)

It is amazing how supposedly intelligent people (politicians) ignore the truth and do what is good for only themselves. It is wrong for these creatures to dismiss the actual evidence because that is the popular thing to do. I know the truth from experience. Marijuana has saved my eyesight no matter what any politician thinks. My ophthalmologist knows what has saved my eyesight, my senator and representative do not care since their eyesight is not at stake.

not blind yet March 3, 2009 6:02 am (Pacific time)

Cameron from texas February 18, 2009 8:38 am (Pacific time)

i have read the first twelve thousands year history of marijuana if yall want to read what i have heres what you need to type in marijuana:the first twelve thousand year history read it all i did and here are some other sites about marijuana and goverment facts on it glenwoodsmith.com drug policy alliance is also a good site to look at and it has the top five myths busted about marijuana i encourage everyone users and non-users alike to read all this infomation and then decide on what they really think about marijuana

abaddon January 28, 2009 11:55 pm (Pacific time)

The more research you do on Hemp THC, the more you will hate the government, Harry Anslinger is the one to blame for the criminalization of Marijuana, Greed and only greed was the cause and still is, thats why it will never be legal. They must find it difficult.... those who have taken authority as truth, rather then truth as authority.

Baked January 26, 2009 2:25 pm (Pacific time)

No reason why marijuana should be illgeal

Anarchist January 16, 2009 11:50 am (Pacific time)

Keep toking, if you want to stay cancer-free. The same government that pitched you cigarettes with tax-dollar subsidies is telling you that Marijuana causes cancer -- they were wrong before, and they're wrong now. It's your life. You smoke, or you have an 11% chance of cancer. You decide.

slcmcguire January 9, 2009 8:39 pm (Pacific time)

spread the word. "google thc cancer" break prohibition's back.

scully January 6, 2009 11:00 am (Pacific time)

Whats from the earth is of the greatest worth!

A1i Nigga January 4, 2009 11:40 pm (Pacific time)

Marijuana is good for every one, in every time & Every Mood.

PSL November 26, 2008 3:11 pm (Pacific time)

Cancer Cure- go to www.phoenixtears.ca you will be shocked.

donny November 24, 2008 7:24 am (Pacific time)

im a smoker of this stuff

Anonymous November 23, 2008 5:57 pm (Pacific time)

Exactly, I mean look at the MANY MANY herbs and other natural remedies the chinese have been using for hundreds and hundreds of years. Marijuana being one of them, and by what we are seein is becoming one of the most effective. But yet we still see this one plant, drove down into the ground with lies and deceit...it's the sad reality of this world that people would rather hide it's positive abilities and protect pharmaceutic companies, plus the many other companies that would be effected.

Gatita November 22, 2008 1:46 am (Pacific time)

I've had endometrial cancer sincew age 45 (10 years ago) which spread to my lungs 6 years ago. Have had surgery radiation, 4 rounds of chemo. This gives me hope. I'm trying MJ tincture to spare my lungs. Anyone have an idea as to how much is needed to stop cancer growth?

Tyler November 7, 2008 10:01 pm (Pacific time)

There have been quite a few studies on marijuana relieving pain, subsiding cancer, helping people live thru very strong illnesses. The reasons for its illegal classification are so off, it is exactly like saying "Marijuana will kill you." - How off it really is heh. This plant could help America get out of its debt easily in less than 1 term of a U.S. President. That's IF they legalized it. Lord knows that won't be in my lifetime.

Me May 2, 2008 7:35 pm (Pacific time)

And people have been raised into the stereotype of Pot being a extremely harmful drug! No way man! Its all in the science in our plain view. Whoever will still deny Marijuanas benefits after reading this info are either ignorant fools or they cant grasp the info into their brains and are stubborn to look at the positive and the Truth for that matter!

animmous April 28, 2008 10:02 am (Pacific time)

go marijauana

JJ January 14, 2008 9:32 am (Pacific time)

Sad thing is, Marijuana could be used in so many medicinal forms, yet MD's would rather pump you full of highly addictive pain meds than push for federal legalization of a non-addictive, natural pain reliever! Really sad state of affairs!

Cody Sheets January 11, 2008 1:16 pm (Pacific time)

This doesn't change everything, but it should spread the classification of Marijuana as a real anti-cancer medication. It really depends on how well they spin this...

c.d.h January 11, 2008 12:30 pm (Pacific time)

and they say Marijuana is bad.Marijuana is a good plant

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