Cannabis Science - Cannabis Studies Part 2June 19, 2019Cannabis and Prostate Cancer

[alangeorge]

Cannabinoid Receptors Make a Difference in Prostate Cancer

Everyone is waiting for robust clinical studies on cannabis and cancer, including, of course, on prostate cancer specifically. Until then, we can look at the current theories and discussion points. Is cannabis a value-added option for men with prostate cancer?

In some of the most extensive literature to date, "The role of cannabinoids in prostate cancer: Basic science perspective and potential clinical applications," from the Indian Journal of Urology, the authors examined cannabis for prostate cancer treatment. The information contained in this publication outlines a compelling argument for further research.

As the authors explain, cannabinoids are very intriguing because of their ability to agonize (meaning activate) both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Both receptors are part of our endocannabinoid system. Why does this matter for prostate cancer treatment? Earlier research has demonstrated that cultured prostate cancer cells have much higher concentrations of both CB1 and CB2 receptors compared to healthy surrounding tissues.

This high concentration of receptors in those cells means that prostate cancer would be highly receptive to cannabinoid therapy. When treated with another type of agonist (called WIN-55,212-2) researchers have measured a "dose and time-dependent decrease in cell viability", also known as survival rate.

Furthermore, the cannabinoid reduced the expression of something called "prostate-specific antigen". This is a substance secreted by prostate glands, and physicians use it as a screening tool for prostate cancer. Higher levels of prostate-specific antigen predict prostate cancer. Early studies have discovered that cannabinoid activating chemicals, similar to those found in cannabis, reduce the level of measurable prostate-specific antigen, and its expression.

Confused yet? Essentially scientists theorize that cannabinoids may reduce the levels of this antigen, possibly reducing the risk of or expression of prostate cancer.

While still early days, there is a lot of evidence paving the way for further research. It hasn't stopped many people from combining cannabis oil with their chemotherapy treatment. At the very least, it may help with nausea, vomiting, and cancer-related pain. At best, it might also combat the cancer cells themselves.

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[tom67inMA]

To throw some more food for thought into the discussion: It would be very odd for the body to have cannabinoid receptors if the body didn't also produce its own cannabinoids. And it does! One way to produce a lot of them is to exercise for over an hour. Those feelings of peace and relaxation after a long workout? You just stoned yourself naturally. Or so I have read and perhaps embellished a bit.

And of course, exercise is increasingly being shown to make cancer treatments more effective and improve cancer survival.

One other note on exercise: Intense exercise produces endorphins, which are natural opioids that reduce pain. It seems the intensity and duration of exercise affect how much of each controlled substance your body produces naturally

[VictoryPC in reply to tom67inMA]

Great reply.

[VictoryPC]

Tried every form and dose if it in the early Colorado days for 4 years and it never did anything to PSA.