CBD cancer: cannabidiol can be your ally in the treatment

CBD treatments for cancer are proving to be a hope for patients living with the disease.

This is because the substance helps with the side effects of the treatment, and has also been studied as an ally to prevent the progression of the pathology.

Cancer is the main public health problem worldwide: one in five people develops the disease, according to World Health Organization (WHO).

The diagnosis of the disease can be frightening, mainly due to the idea of suffering and pain related to the disease. Given this, the use of cannabidiol (CBD) is becoming popular as an ally to conventional treatments.

Although more scientific studies are still needed, much is already known about the therapeutic potential of medication, being used mainly to control symptoms in cancer patients.

In today's article, you will better understand how CBD works in cancer treatment and the benefits of cannabidiol oil during treatment. So, read on and find out more.

How does CBD work on cancer?

With significant therapeutic benefits and an excellent safety profile, CBD is a promising option for the cancer patient.

In recent clinical research, the use of Cannabis-based products helped to relieve some sensations resulting from cancer treatment and, therefore, have proven to be great allies as complementary therapy.

Study carried out by the University of London pointed out that cannabinoids had additional synergy when combined with chemotherapy agents.

They were also able to sensitize leukemia cells to their cytotoxic effects, which is the ability to destroy other cells by releasing harmful substances.

Currently, it is possible to rely on chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy as options for medical intervention to control and cure the disease.

However, all of them can cause some kind of side effect. In this scenario, cannabidiol emerges as a natural alternative that stands out for its therapeutic properties.

Specifically in the treatment of cancer, patients often have a improvement in anxiety, lack of appetite, pain, nausea and sleep quality.

This happens because in the human body there is the Endocannabinoid System (SE), responsible for keeping our internal environment in balance (homeostasis).

When ingested, cannabidiol travels through the blood system until it reaches the brain, where interactions occur through phytocannabinoids with compatible neurotransmitters.

In this way, CBD stimulates cannabinoid receptors present in cells of the peripheral nervous system, immune system and central nervous system, helping to regulate them.

In addition, it can increase the effectiveness of traditional cancer drugs by activating the TRPV2 receptor, which can improve the response of cancer cells to drugs and help reduce the toxicity of the overall treatment.

CBD cures cancer?

So far, there is no scientific evidence that CBD is able to cure cancer. Pre-clinical research, made in animal models and cell cultures, demonstrate cannabidiol's antitumor and antimetastatic effects.

However, it is still necessary to explore the possibility in human patients, with in vivo effects. There are indications that the substance can help reduce the growth of cancer cells, or even speed up their elimination and inhibit metastasis, when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

This happens because the cannabinoids demonstrate to have specific cytotoxicity against tumor cells, preventing healthy tissue from suffering apoptosis (programmed cell death process), preventing the development of the disease.

Cancer cells are less likely to undergo the apoptotic process, which is why many cancer treatments focus on encouraging cell death.

in vitro studies observed that the use of cannabinoids after chemotherapy resulted in a greater induction of apoptosis, whereas the opposite occurred when the administration scheme was reversed.

Despite having reports mentioning the healing potential of Cannabis-based products, there are still not enough scientific articles to prove it. So far, only the effect of controlling symptoms and improving quality of life stands out.

The benefits of cannabidiol oil in the treatment

During the cancer treatment, patients go through a series of changes brought about by the consistent use of strong medications.

Pain and nausea are some examples of side effects, which lead to a significantly worse quality of life.

The good news is that the use of cannabidiol can be beneficial as a complement to treatment due to its anti-inflammatory, antiemetic and anxiolytic effects.

pain relief

One of the most debilitating implications of cancer is the pain it causes. Whether caused by the tumor itself, which puts pressure on internal organs, or by the side effects of chemotherapy drugs.

When the pain is severe, it can even become resistant to opioids, which are powerful pain relievers. This makes pain control one of the main goals of doctors who treat people with cancer.

Thus, cannabinoid oil may be a good option, as it is able to offer relief for chronic pain, including neuropathic pain induced by drug chemotherapy.

This is because the cannabidiol acts indirectly on CB2 receptors, which helps with general pain relief by reducing inflammation.

In addition, products that have traces of tetrahydrocannabinol act on CB1 receptors and can help with pain resulting from nerve damage.

Thus, it acts in the same way as an analgesic and relieves pain in patients with advanced cancer even when opioids are not effective, with minimal or no side effects.

nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common and regular for those facing the fight against cancer, especially during chemotherapy. Treating these symptoms offers a significant improvement in the patient's overall quality of life.

In this scenario, cannabis-derived products are used to treat both nausea and vomiting. Mainly due to the antiemetic potential of the plant, with the main action of two cannabinoids: THC and CBD.

THC offers the most significant effects. It acts on CB1 receptors, as we explained earlier, found in the brain region, responsible for making us feel sick. By activating these receptors, nausea can be inhibited.

In turn, the CBD, is responsible for increasing levels of anandamide, a substance related to well-being, activating receptors in the nervous system.

Thus, a full-spectrum cannabis extract with traces of THC (up to 0.02%) is indicated to provide greater relief from nausea and vomiting. But for that, it is always necessary to consult a specialist doctor for prescription and dosage adjustment.

stimulating the appetite

A healthy appetite is of paramount importance in supplying the body with the nutrients it needs to fight disease. But in addition to nausea, many people undergoing treatment against cancer suffer from loss of appetite.

Cannabis-based products are able to help stimulate appetite, especially those that provide both THC and CBD in their composition.

Research points out cannabidiol increases chemosensory perception, which makes food taste better, and improves calorie intake via protein. THC has shown significant improvements directly in the sense of appetite.

Anxiety and depression

Cancer treatment usually causes emotional and psychological suffering to the patient, which can lead to bouts of anxiety and depression during and after treatment. Therefore, being able to reduce these symptoms can help the body in treatment and recovery.

CBD has calming and anxiolytic effects, demonstrating great therapeutic potential in relieving the symptoms of psychiatric illnesses, promoting mood improvement and increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

By combining a healthy lifestyle and a supportive network of friends and family, CBD can be a powerful tool in increasing the body's ability to recover from a cancer diagnosis.

sleep improvement

The many side effects of cancer, such as pain and anxiety, can make it difficult for patients to sleep. In this case, when using CBD oil as a complementary therapy, it consequently helps to improve sleep.

When the mind is able to calm down and the pain response is numbed, it is easier to get a good night's sleep. Better quality sleep will help the healing process.

CBD side effects

While one of the main advantages of CBD treatments is the lower risk of adverse effects, they do exist and need to be considered.

Unlike traditional medicines, there are no lethal doses of CBD. This is because the herbal product does not affect the central nervous system in the same way as opiates.

But, despite being uncommon, the use of cannabidiol can cause few and mild side effects, such as pressure drop, dizziness, drowsiness and dry mouth, induced mainly by high doses of the product.

Furthermore, according to the Guide to medical cannabis use in the treatment of palliative care in patients, published in Australia, the main reactions observed were caused by drug interaction. Thus, the possible side effects of CBD, when taken with other remedies, can include:

Somnolence;
Dizziness;
Asthenia;
Tiredness/fatigue;
Anemia;
Vomiting;
Confusion;
Pain;
Diarrhea.

Therefore, before starting your treatment with Cannabidiol or other cannabinoids, consult your doctor.