cannabisnews.com: 'Cannabis' May Halt Breast Cancer 





'Cannabis' May Halt Breast Cancer 
Posted by CN Staff on November 19, 2007 at 05:36:34 PT
News Story
Source: BBC News
USA -- A compound found in cannabis may stop breast cancer spreading throughout the body, US scientists believe. The California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute team are hopeful that cannabidiol or CBD could be a non-toxic alternative to chemotherapy.
Unlike cannabis, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties so its use would not violate laws, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics reports. The authors stressed that they were not suggesting patients smoke marijuana. They added that it would be highly unlikely that effective concentrations of CBD could be reached by smoking cannabis. CBD works by blocking the activity of a gene called Id-1 which is believed to be responsible for the aggressive spread of cancer cells away from the original tumour site - a process called metastasis. Past work has shown CBD can block aggressive human brain cancers. The latest work found CBD appeared to have a similar effect on breast cancer cells in the lab.   Future Hope Lead researcher Dr Sean McAllister said: "Right now we have a limited range of options in treating aggressive forms of cancer. "Those treatments, such as chemotherapy, can be effective but they can also be extremely toxic and difficult for patients. "This compound offers the hope of a non-toxic therapy that could achieve the same results without any of the painful side effects." Dr Joanna Owens of Cancer Research UK said: "This research is at a very early stage. "The findings will need to be followed up with clinical trials in humans to see if the CBD is safe, and whether the beneficial effects can be replicated. "Several cancer drugs based on plant chemicals are already used widely, such as vincristine - which is derived from a type of flower called Madagascar Periwinkle and is used to treat breast and lung cancer. It will be interesting to see whether CBD will join them." Maria Leadbeater of Breast Cancer Care said: "Many people experience side-effects while having chemotherapy, such as nausea and an increased risk of infection, which can take both a physical and emotional toll. "Any drug that has fewer side-effects will, of course, be of great interest." But she added: "It is clear that much more research needs to be carried out." Newshawk: MayanSource: BBC News (UK Web) Published: November 19, 2007Copyright: 2007 BBC Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Contact: newsonline bbc.co.ukCannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #16 posted by Max Flowers on November 20, 2007 at 15:30:36 PT
Psychotropic activity
Its "psychotropic activity" is totally insignificant compared to the medical benefit, and they know it. It is nothing less than sociopathic cruelty to withhold that benefit on the false basis that the possibility of the patient getting "high" is a problem big enough to negate its medical use. I'd like to see some doctor or politician or researcher try to make that argument to my face. They give people drugs with all kinds of nasty side effects every day, and blow off *those* effects, ranging from nausea to heart attack. But if someone might get a little happy or insightful--oh boy, we can't have that!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #15 posted by sam adams on November 19, 2007 at 12:06:54 PT
from HempWorld's study:
"Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exhibits anti-tumor effects on various cancer cell types, but its use in chemotherapy is limited by its psychotropic activity."And how exactly do the psychotropic effects limit its use for chemo?  Is the effect on the patient or the effect on the fascist puritan government that is the real problem?Wouldn't it be fun to watch an oncologist show a patient a fresh green organic bud in the vaporizer, and then a big syringe with chemo chems inside - "I'm sorry, you can't vaporize this cannabis because the govt. won't let you feel euphoria. However, they will let me shoot this $10,000 vial of poison into you that will start killing your major organs. It's no problem! Enjoy!"But Big Pharm & the AMA don't have to do those comparisons with patients. They've got their buddy, Big Freddie the Fed, to run protection for them. They'll send $80,000 SUVs full of jack-booted thugs to anyone that tries to give cannabis to sick and dying people.I really feel like medical MJ could be such a savior issue to our country. It exposes our cruel and hopelessly corrupt system for what it is. In 20 or 30 years I think that we'll be dire straits from global warming & the destruction of our economy, and people will wring their hands saying "how did we let this happen, how did we miss the signs that our system had gone bad?" But we knew, didnt' we? Any medical MJ patients could have told you this would happen 30 years ago. Too bad the mainstream media and leaders ignored it for all those years.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #14 posted by FoM on November 19, 2007 at 11:46:14 PT
runruff
Pot Shrinks Tumors: Government Knew in 74http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread5972.shtml
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #13 posted by Dankhank on November 19, 2007 at 11:31:41 PT
THC cancer cure ...
here's a story that covers a couple of studies ...http://www.mapinc.org/newscc/v01/n572/a11.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #12 posted by runruff on November 19, 2007 at 11:10:42 PT:
What happened!
For a while, a couple of years ago, I read about a cancer cure that had been developed at the University of Florida back in the 70s. Then I read that in Portugal and France, and I think even in Italy. They were doing a treatments for cancer tumors by injecting THC into the tumors. I wonder what happened to this treatment. I haven't heard about it lately. What's up with that! Of course, I believe that cannabis is a wonder plant and is man's companion plant on this planet. Anything that great has got to have some enemies no, make that many enemies.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #11 posted by HempWorld on November 19, 2007 at 10:06:25 PT
When can we start saving some lives?
Anti-tumor activity of plant cannabinoids with emphasis on the effect of cannabidiol on human breast carcinoma
Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics Fast Forward First published on May 25, 2006AbstractDelta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exhibits anti-tumor effects on various cancer cell types, but its use in chemotherapy is limited by its psychotropic activity. We investigated the anti-tumor activities of other plant cannabinoids, i.e. cannabidiol, cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabidiol-acid and THC-acid, and assessed whether there is any advantage in using Cannabis extracts (enriched in either cannabidiol or THC) over pure cannabinoids. Results obtained in a panel of tumor cell lines clearly indicate that, of the five natural compounds tested, cannabidiol is the most potent inhibitor of cancer cell growth (IC50 between 6.0 and 10.6 microM), with significantly lower potency in non-cancer cells. The cannabidiol-rich extract was equipotent to cannabidiol, whereas cannabigerol and cannabichromene followed in the rank of potency. Both cannabidiol and the cannabidiol-rich extract inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors obtained by subcutaneous injection into athymic mice of human MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma or rat v-K-ras-transformed thyroid epithelial cells, and reduced lung metastases deriving from intra-paw injection of MDA-MB-231 cells. Judging from several experiments on its possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of action, we propose that cannabidiol lacks a unique mode of action in the cell lines investigated. At least for MDA-MB-231 cells, however, our experiments indicate that cannabidiol effect is due to its capability of inducing apoptosis via: 1) direct or indirect activation of cannabinoid CB2 and vanilloid TRPV1 receptors; and 2) cannabinoid/vanilloid receptor-independent elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species. Our data support the further testing of cannabidiol and cannabidiol-rich extracts for the potential treatment of cancer. Comment: Mmm, yeah, we know there is potential and we knew this for over 70 years, but you still can't have it!
On a mission from God!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #10 posted by paul armentano on November 19, 2007 at 09:49:56 PT
Whoops! Link to 2006 study
http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/reprint/jpet.106.105247v1
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #9 posted by paul armentano on November 19, 2007 at 09:48:05 PT
More on CBD and Breast Cancer
I've been waiting more than ten years for the MSM to finally cover this story!While I have yet not read the full study, I recall a similar 2006 Italian study ("Antitumor activity of plant cannabinoids with emphasis on the effect of cannabidiol on human breast carcinoma," Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics) that flat out concluded that cannabidiol should now be used in cancer therapy. You can dowload a pdf of that study here: Investigators at Italy's Instuto di Chemica Biomolecolare assessed the anti-cancer activity of various non-psychoactive cannabinoids - including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromine (CBC) - in vivo and in vitro. Researchers reported that CBD acts as a more potent inhibitor of cancer cell growth than other cannabinoids, including THC, and noted that the compound is particularly efficacious in halting the spread of breast cancer cells by triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death).You can read more about cannabinoids' anti-cancer properties here:Cannabinoids As Cancer Hope
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6814and here:http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7008Regards,
-- 
Paul Armentano
Senior Policy Analyst
NORML | NORML Foundation
paul norml.org
http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6814
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #8 posted by HempWorld on November 19, 2007 at 09:36:58 PT
Correction and addition on previous post.
First sentence should read:However, after 70 YEARS of corporate and government propaganda we simply cannot believe or accept this (scientific fact). I also forgot to mention another extreme coincidence that occurred in 1937. And that is that after the research consortium on cannabis was disbanded, the participating pharmaceutical companies made 2 decisions; 1. To get cannabis/hemp/marihuana off the market and 
2. To found the American Cancer Research Center. Go figure!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #7 posted by Sam Adams on November 19, 2007 at 09:25:18 PT
blasphemy!
Even now, today in 2007, look:"The authors stressed that they were not suggesting patients smoke marijuana."The media STILL forces them to pledge allegiance to the persecution of cannabis and its users. This is like Galileo saying "well, I know we are orbiting the sun, but don't believe that unless the Pope says so"Not much has changed. These men and women who have supposedly devoted their lives to science will still keep mum and sacrifice their principles when they have to for the slightest career or financial expediency.No, don't smoke cannabis, we'd never tell you to do that! It does cure your breast cancer, but we'd NEVER tell you to use it!  How can they ask us to trust them when they make insane, irrational statements?No, NEVER smoke cannabis, but here, take a shot of my Big Pharm chemo poison that will take years off your life, make you puke out the lining of your stomach, melt your liver and sterlize you! Free injections for all!Come on down for some chemo love! We're "Scientists"!!!!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #6 posted by HempWorld on November 19, 2007 at 09:24:12 PT
Cannabis may halt breast cancer or ( ... fill in).
However, after 70 of corporate and government propaganda we simply cannot believe or accept this (scientific fact). Mission accomplished!We (the pharmaceutical companies) are not sure yet because we are too hooked on (expensive) chemo and radiation therapies. And remember, we cannot make any money off of an herb that anyone can grown in their backyard! Let's keep the people a little longer in the dark..., a few more terminal cancer patients (millions) so we can recoup our investments and maybe then we will tell the truth.The early American pharmaceutical companies (the ones that had a variety of cannabis tinctures on the market, Eli Lilly, Lloyd Brothers, Parke, Davis) formed a consortium in 1934 to study the medicinal properties of cannabis. From this, of course they wanted to make a killing (literally) because they knew back then, that cannabis somehow prevents or combats cancer, most types of cancer. Then in 1937 the consortium was disbanded because, eventhough the medicinal properties of cannabis were clear, no-one was able to isolate components and obtain patents for this type of medicine. Hence, in that SAME year, cannabis was driving off the market by the Marihuana Tax Act. Coincidence? Mmm, I don't think so. This is the reason that cannabis/hemp is illegal. By the way, hemp foods are very high in CBD and it doesn't make you crazy but it is illegal so that people can get cancer and then the pharmaceutical companies can 'cure' them. The government (i.e. the Bush family) is Eli Lilly's largest shareholder. So now you have a reason that the US Government is helping the Pharmaceutical companies keep hemp and cannabis illegal.But, hey, pssst, keep this quiet, it is a big secret, nobody is supposed to know this for over 70 years, especially in the age of the internet. We are all supposed to roll over and get cancer and die at the hands of our rulers and if you are lucky you can die in prison of old age. This policy is the blueprint for the future. God Bless America. All the people who believe 9/11 really happened are sealing our fate!
On a mission from God!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #5 posted by Patrick on November 19, 2007 at 08:35:46 PT
Wait a second here...
I thought marijuana didn't have any medical use only the potential for abuse.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by FoM on November 19, 2007 at 08:26:49 PT
Vitamin THC for Breast Cancer?
By Os Davis November 19, 2007 
Not that MPR would necessarily advocate this sort of behavior, but many are catching news which seems to indicate that researchers have found a new reason to smoke marijuana.Word is slowly creeping through news outlets worldwide about a recent study undertaken by the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute and funded by the California Breast Cancer Research Program. Results of said study published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics indicate that the compound CBD, plentifully found in cannabis sativa, may stop the spread of breast cancer cells.Study lead author Dr. Sean McAllister noted in the text that "Right now we have a limited range of options in treating aggressive forms of cancer. Those treatments, such as chemotherapy, can be effective but they can also be extremely toxic and difficult for patients. This compound offers the hope of a non-toxic therapy that could achieve the same results without any of the painful side effects."Unfortunately for certain hedonists, researchers offered sober warning that concentrations of CBD effective in cancer treatment cannot be accessed through smoking marijuana and cautioned that those with breast cancer should not smoke marijuana.MPR warning: Side effects of marijuana may include dry mouth, increase in appetite, temporary euphoria, potentially endless tolerance of episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and the tendency for objects to appear funnier than they actually are. Ask your doctor about any sort of alternative treatment and, no, "Dr. Toke" down the street doesn't count. Nor does Dr. Pepper. 
 Copyright: 2007 Miami Poetry Reviewhttp://www.miamipoetryreview.com/2007/11/vitamin_thc_for_breast_cancer.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by FoM on November 19, 2007 at 07:38:26 PT
Related Article from CBSNews
SF Researchers Say Cannabis May Slow Breast CancerNovember 19, 2007SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) -- New hope for patients with aggressive breast cancer may come in the form of an isolated compound found in cannabis, according researchers at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, a nonprofit Sutter Health affiliate.The study, released in the medical journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, discovered that the CBD compound found in cannabis can slow the activity of a gene that causes the spread of cancer cells.Researchers announced the finding with hope that the compound could be part of a non-toxic treatment for metastatic breast cancer."Right now we have a limited range of options in treating aggressive forms of cancer," said Dr. Sean McAllister, lead author of the study. "Those treatments, such as chemotherapy, can be effective but they can also be extremely toxic and difficult for patients. This compound offers the hope of a non-toxic therapy that could achieve the same results without any of the painful side effects." CBD is not like THC, found in marijuana, and can be used without the psychoactive side effects of marijuana so its use does not violate anti-drug laws, according to researchers.Researchers remind patients that "this is not a recommendation for people with breast cancer to smoke marijuana," because the levels of CBD necessary for treatment are not attainable through smoking 
marijuana, according to researchers. Copyright: 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. http://cbs5.com/health/breast.cancer.marijuana.2.571109.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #2 posted by Storm Crow on November 19, 2007 at 07:37:45 PT
And more saying much the same!
Anandamide inhibits human breast cancer cell proliferation
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/95/14/8375Inhibition of Human Breast and Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation1
http://endo.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/141/1/118Antitumor Activity of Plant Cannabinoids
http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/318/3/13759-Tetrahydrocannabinol Inhibits Cell Cycle Progression in Human Breast Cancer
http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/66/13/6615Cannabidiol inhibits tumour growth in leukaemia and breast cancer
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/bulletin/ww_en_db_cannabis_artikel.php?id=220#2THC and prochlorperazine effective in reducing vomiting in women following breast surgery
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/bulletin/ww_en_db_cannabis_artikel.php?id=219#1Cannabidiol Dramatically Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Growth
http://www.thehempire.com/index.php/cannabis/news/cannabidiol_dramatically_inhibits_breast_cancer_cell_growth_study_says These should be on the cover of every "Women's magazine"!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #1 posted by The GCW on November 19, 2007 at 06:09:14 PT
Nearly every week.
Nearly every week new medical use of cannabis is discovered.Shame on governments that prohibit the relatively safe God-given plant.
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment