The cannabis (marijuana) plant is full of molecules called cannabinoids, the two most popular being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). In another study, synthetic CBD was shown to have an effect on liver cancer cells. In this study, researchers evaluated the effects of THC on a particular line of liver cancer cells.
In it they found that THC reduced the ability of those cancerous liver cells to live, and increased their likelihood of self-destruction. Additionally, it was found that THC was able to reduce the tumor growth of human cancer cells when transplanted into living mice, something they were unable to accomplish by either genetic or drug manipulation. It also reduced the accumulation of abdominal fluid associated with the procedure.
They hope this leads to new strategies for treating liver cancer, the 3rd cause of cancer deaths world-wide, with a 5 year survival rate of less than 5%.
