CBD Benefits for Lung Cancer

In this publication, we will talk about lung cancer, the importance of the endocannabinoid system in controlling disease progression, and the benefits of phytocannabinoid CBD in lung cancer.

Bronchial carcinoma or lung cancer is a leading cause of death around the world.  There are two main types of lung cancer:

• This type begins in nerve cells in the lungs or hormone-producing cells. This type of cancer grows rapidly and spreads to other organs. The disease is usually caused by smoking. Small cell lung cancer usually spreads very early.
• Non-small cell lung cancer is divided into several sub-types, depending on the type of malignant cells:

1. 1. Squamous cell lung cancer – usually develops in the larger bronchi and stays there for a long time without spreading anywhere.
   2. Adenocarcinoma (cancer of the glandular as well as epithelial cells). This type of cancer usually grows not in the bronchial lumen but along the outer surface of the bronchi.
   3. Non-small cell lung cancer carcinoma begins in other cells. Carcinoma is called a large cell because the cancer cells look large and round under a microscope. This type of cancer tends to grow rapidly.

Smoking tobacco is one of the major causes of lung cancer and only 15% of the patients of this disease are non-smokers. 

Exposure to toxic pollutants such as asbestos, dust and radioactive substances can also cause pulmonary cancer.  Initial symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic coughing and fatigue which will eventually affect the weight of the patient and cause severe breathing difficulties.  Chemotherapy radiotherapy and cytostatic drugs are used to treat lung cancer.

CBD Benefits and Anticancer Mechanisms

Research carried out on how CBD can influence cancer cell growth shows that different cannabinoids including THC tetrahydrocannabinol, CBN cannabinol and CBD cannabidiol can help in inhibiting the growth of lung cancer.  These three cannabinoids (CBD, THC, CBN) possess anticancer properties that can offer positive results for lung cancer patients.

Another study conducted by Israeli researchers in in-vitro conditions has shown that THC plays a key role in producing cytotoxic effects on the cancer cell lines. Antitumor activities of CBD, CBG, CBC and THC were also confirmed by Italian researchers who claim that CBD is one of the strongest inhibitors of cancer cells.

It has been described that CBD can act on tumor cells, directly or indirectly, through different pathways and that these effects might vary in different tumor cells. CBD acts as an inverse agonist for CB2 receptor and an antagonist for CB1 receptor. However, CBD has low affinity to either CB1 or CB2 receptors. In addition, CBD has anti-cancer effects acting as an agonist for the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1 and 2 leading to changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels.

It is also reported that CBD can induce apoptosis in cancer cells via the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase activation and activation of p53 dependent apoptotic pathways in cancer. CBD can also upregulate TNF/TNFR1 and TRAIL/TRAIL-R2 signaling by modulation of both ligand and receptor levels followed by apoptosis. Furthermore, CBD inhibits human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) endothelial cells migration, invasion and sprouting in vitro, and angiogenesis in vivo through down-modulation of several angiogenesis-related molecules.

CBD oil for Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung cancer or its treatment methods come with different symptoms like pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, sleep problems and anxiety. Research shows that CBD can interact with the human endocannabinoid system which is involved in regulating almost every essential physiological function of the body.  By interacting with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, CBD oil can help in reducing the symptoms of lung cancer.

• Pain:  Scientific evidence has shown that CBD and THC can help in reducing pain caused by nerve damage that usually occurs during chemotherapy.  Most patients are given opioids for pain management.  Even though opioids are more effective in reducing pain but they are highly addictive and may cause several side effects.
• Nausea and Vomiting:  The antiemetic properties of CBD can help in reducing nausea and vomiting which are the most common side effects of chemotherapy.  The world is being introduced to two cannabinoid-based medicines called Nabilone and Dronabinol to treat nausea and vomiting.
• Weight Loss: Weight loss is one of the most common lung cancer symptoms which is induced by reducing in appetite because of persistent nausea and vomiting.  Cancer can also cause cachexia or muscle loss that can be prevented by using CBD oil.
  

  The ability of CBD to interact with the serotonin receptors helps in quelling nausea.

  A balanced level of serotonin in the blood can uplift mood, a general sense of well-being. Moreover, the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system can also play a key role in improving metabolic function.

• Stress and Anxiety: Having a chronic illness is coupled with immense stress and anxiety which can hinder the healing process.  CBD has been found to be extremely helpful in reducing the symptoms of stress and anxiety by interacting with the serotonin receptors.

CBD for Inflammation

Strong scientific evidence has shown that inflammation can contribute to the development of different types of cancers.  Whereas, we also know that cancer can also cause inflammation.  The immune cells of our body treat the tumor cells as an external threat or wounds and trigger inflammatory responses to control the attack.  Chronic inflammation may also occur as a result of damage done by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  CBD has the ability to interact with the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system which are concentrated in the immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils.  CBD works better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as it is risk-free and safe.

Side Effects of CBD

CBD has proven to be quite safe and does not cause any severe side effects.  However, some people may experience nausea, fatigue and changes in weight and appetite.  CBD is a personal experience and not everyone feels the same after using it.  To avoid any inconvenience, the sue of CBD should be avoided with many over the counter medication as it may interrupt the metabolic process of those drugs and lead to liver toxicity.  Not only this, make sure to buy CBD oil products from reputable vendors as reports show that unregulated CBD products may contain contaminants like lead, pesticides and dextromethorphan.  Since people suffering from cancer are already at a higher risk of catching infections, they should be more careful about it.