Renewed Hope for Metastatic Melanoma: The Efficacy of Cannabinoids as a Potential Breakthrough

Metastatic melanoma, a relentless and deadly form of skin cancer, poses a formidable challenge in the realm of cancer treatment. Conventional chemotherapy often struggles to combat the aggressive nature of this disease, leaving patients and healthcare professionals in search of alternative therapies. Amidst this quest for solutions, a substance known as Ricksimpson oil, touted as a potential cure for skin cancer through anecdotal reports, has sparked interest.

While anecdotal evidence has sparked curiosity, the scientific community has long awaited substantial research to validate these claims. Recently, an air traffic control specialist turned cannabis researcher, Magnus Ambrose, conducted an underground study that has added significant weight to the potential of cannabinoids in treating metastatic melanoma. Ambrose employed hybrid cultivars with ultra-strength genetics to extract cannabis oil, which he utilized in cancer trials on human subjects, including both children and adults.

Now, a groundbreaking study from the Medical University of Graz has provided additional scientific backing to this emerging field. In in vivo experiments, researchers demonstrated that clinically used cannabinoid medication did not interfere with the widely employed anti-cancer drug trametinib. This revelation paves the way for further exploration of cannabinoids' efficacy in treating metastatic melanoma, offering newfound hope to those fighting this aggressive and life-threatening disease.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, which are cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanoma is considered the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer, as it tends to be more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is a significant risk factor for developing melanoma. However, genetics and family history can also play a role in its development.

Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for successful outcomes in melanoma cases. Regular skin checks, protection from excessive sun exposure, and early reporting of any suspicious skin changes are essential preventive measures. If detected early, melanoma can often be treated effectively with surgical removal. In more advanced cases, additional treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy may be used to combat the disease.

Current therapeutic strategies for malignant melanoma patients involve targeted therapy using BRAF and MEK inhibitors for BRAF mutated melanoma, as well as immunotherapy. Although targeted therapy has shown high response rates and quick relief of tumor burden, it rarely leads to complete cure, prompting patients to seek additional options from alternative medicine.

Cannabis use in Cancer Therapy

Among the natural products commonly used in cancer care, green tea and medical cannabis have garnered attention. Cannabis, often used for recreational purposes, has also been suggested to possess anti-tumorous and anti-inflammatory properties, as supported by scientific literature and other sources. It's important to note that cannabis is not a single substance but rather composed of at least 60 cannabinoids, some of which may have opposing effects. Among these, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known for its psychotropic effects.

Cannabinoids interact with two main types of receptors, CB1 and CB2, which have been identified since the 1990s. Growing evidence from research since the 1990s suggests that cannabinoids, such as THC and endocannabinoids like 2-AG and anandamide, along with synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, may have anti-tumor effects. However, there are also reports suggesting potential tumor-promoting effects of cannabinoids.

In this study, the researchers found that CBD and a combination of CBD and THC reduced cell viability in various melanoma cell lines. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that cannabinoids have anti-cancer effects in vivo and do not interfere with a clinically approved drug for metastatic melanoma tumors. These results highlight the potential of cannabinoids as a novel and promising approach in the treatment of metastatic melanoma.

Methods

Male mice, aged 10 to 26 weeks, were generously provided by Dr. Andreas Reinisch (Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria) and originally obtained from Charles River Laboratories. The mice were bred and kept in a specific pathogen-free environment at the Medical University of Graz (Graz, Austria). All experimental procedures were conducted in compliance with European Guidelines and approved by the national animal ethics committee (BMBWF-66.010/0139-V/pot3b/2019). Seven days after the injections, when tumors were detectable in all mice, they were randomly assigned to treatment groups in a blinded manner (8 mice per group). Age and weight did not significantly differ among the four groups. Treatment with C + T (CBD 10 mg/kg BW and THC 10 mg/kg BW) and trametinib (Selleckchem, Houston, TX, USA) (0.75 mg/kg BW) was carried out by subcutaneous injections once per day. Control mice received equivalent injections of kolliphor/ethanol dissolved in PBS. To monitor treatment-related toxicity, mouse weight and appearance were assessed daily. Tumor size was measured with a caliper, and tumor volume was calculated using the formula: Volume = 0.5 × (length × width 2). On day 22 after treatment initiation, mice were euthanized, and tumor samples were collected for further analysis.

Results

The findings revealed that cannabinoids exhibit toxic and anti-tumor effects in various melanoma cell lines, albeit with varying degrees of potency. Importantly, when combined with modern targeted therapy, cannabinoids did not show any antagonistic effects in in vivo experiments. These results highlight the promising potential of cannabinoids as a therapeutic option for melanoma treatment, warranting further investigation and potential integration into existing treatment approaches.

Future Directions

The landscape of melanoma treatment is evolving, with targeted therapy and immunotherapy offering significant survival benefits. However, the quest for more effective and accessible treatment options remains crucial, especially for metastatic melanoma cases that may not respond optimally to conventional chemotherapy.

In recent years, the potential of cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD, has garnered attention as a supplemental therapy for cancer. While anecdotal reports have suggested their efficacy, scientific evidence had been lacking.The study from the Medical University of Graz further reinforced the promising role of cannabinoids in melanoma treatment.

These results open new possibilities in cancer research, offering hope for improved outcomes for those facing metastatic melanoma. As we continue to delve into the potential of cannabinoids, it becomes increasingly evident that their integration into existing treatment strategies may be the key to unlocking more effective and personalized approaches in the battle against melanoma.