Cannabis Extract Demonstrates 'Remarkable' Ability to Eliminate Skin Cancer Cells

A recent study by Australian researchers reveals that a cannabis extract known as PHEC-66 has impressive anti-cancer effects. In laboratory tests, the extract not only slowed down the growth of melanoma cancer cells but also triggered their death, a finding described as "remarkable."

The study explains that PHEC-66 induces apoptosis in melanoma cell lines by increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic markers (BAX mRNA) while simultaneously decreasing the expression of anti-apoptotic markers (Bcl-2 mRNA). Additionally, the extract causes DNA fragmentation, halting cell progression at the G1 cell cycle checkpoint and significantly raising reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels within the cells.

In simpler terms, as noted by Nazim Nassar, a pharmaceutical lecturer at CDU and co-author of the study, the extract binds to cancerous cells, preventing them from multiplying and compelling them to undergo programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis.

According to Nassar, "The damage to the melanoma cell prevents it from dividing into new cells and instead initiates programmed cell death."

For nearly 25 years, cannabis and its derivatives have been increasingly acknowledged for their potential benefits for individuals with cancer. Typically, these advantages are seen as primarily palliative, helping alleviate symptoms such as nausea, reducing pain and anxiety, and restoring appetite. However, this recent study sheds light on the potential of PHEC-66 to actively combat and halt the progression of melanoma cells, marking a significant step forward in cannabis-related cancer research.

The debate surrounding the effectiveness of cannabis in treating cancer remains ongoing. According to Charlott Repschlaeger, a postdoctoral cancer researcher not involved in the recent study, it's still unclear whether cannabis or its components are truly beneficial in combating cancer. In a video for Worldwide Cancer Research, she emphasized that research on the connection between cannabis and cancer is in its early stages.

One significant challenge is the limited number of human studies, which are often small and yield mixed results, leaving the matter inconclusive. Repschlaeger mentioned that "the jury is still out" due to the scarcity of substantial evidence.

The latest study, like several promising findings on cannabis's potential as a cancer treatment, was conducted in vitro. This means it took place in a laboratory, using specially-cultured melanoma cells, rather than in living organisms. The researchers acknowledge that their understanding is in its infancy, admitting they don't yet comprehend why the extract is effective, only confirming its efficacy.

Nassar, a member of the research team, highlighted the importance of delving into cannabis extracts, particularly their potential as anticancer agents. Understanding how these extracts interact with cancer cells, especially in causing cell death, is crucial for refining treatment techniques to be more specific, responsive, and effective.

Although the research is still at an early stage, the team envisions changes on the horizon. They aim to develop suitable delivery systems and carry out follow-up trials for the extract, hoping to provide more conclusive insights into the role of cannabis in cancer treatment in the near future.

The next step involves testing on animals or pre-clinical trials to confirm and further explore the effectiveness of cannabinoid PHEC-66 in treating melanoma and other cancers," explained Nitin Mantri, a professor of biotechnology at RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) University and the main author of the study.

Despite the ongoing debate about using cannabis for cancer treatment – or maybe because of it – the researchers are optimistic about the extract's potential. It's important to note that the study is funded by MGC Pharmaceuticals Limited, the same company that produced the extract.

However, if proven safe and effective, this once-controversial therapy could potentially revolutionize cancer treatment, according to Nassar.

Cannabis extracts are already used clinically for treating anxiety, cancer-related symptoms, epilepsy, and chronic pain," he highlighted. "Research into its potential to kill melanoma cells is just the beginning as we explore how this knowledge can be applied to treat various types of cancers.

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