Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most aggressive cancer that begins within the brain. Signs and symptoms of glioblastoma are initially non-specific. They may include headaches, personality changes, nausea, and symptoms similar to those of a stroke. Worsening of symptoms is often rapid. This can progress to unconsciousness.
There is no clear way to prevent the disease. Typically treatment involves surgery after which chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used. The medication temozolomide is frequently used as part of chemotherapy. High dose steroids may be used to help reduce swelling and decrease symptoms.
Evidence suggests that the nonpsychotropic cannabis-derived compound, cannabidiol (CBD), has antineoplastic activity in multiple types of cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
Local administration of THC-, CBD- or a mixture (1:1 w:w) of THC- and CBD-loaded microparticles every 5 days to mice bearing glioma xenografts reduced tumour growth with the same efficacy than a daily local administration of the equivalent amount of those cannabinoids in solution. Moreover, treatment with cannabinoid-loaded microparticles enhanced apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation and angiogenesis in these tumours.
Sources
In vitro and in vivo efficacy of non-psychoactive cannabidiol in neuroblastoma. 2016
Cannabinoid and cannabinoid-like receptors in microglia, astrocytes, and astrocytomas. 2010
Cannabinoids inhibit glioma cell invasion by down-regulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression. 2008
Cannabinoids and gliomas. 2007
Targeting astrocytomas and invading immune cells with cannabinoids: a promising therapeutic avenue. 2007
Medicinal cannabis does not influence the clinical pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and docetaxel. 2007
Endocannabinoids as emerging suppressors of angiogenesis and tumor invasion (review). 2007
Hypothesis: cannabinoid therapy for the treatment of gliomas? 2004