A new study suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may offer a promising approach to controlling metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
CBD tincture.
Researchers from the University of Louisiana and Mansoura University conducted the study, published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science and published online by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is driven by the dysregulation of the IDO1-Kynurenine-AhR axis, which facilitates tumor progression. This pathway involves the breakdown of tryptophan, an essential amino acid, into kynurenine, a molecule that activates tumor-promoting pathways. CBD, a nonpsychoactive compound derived from cannabis, was found to interfere with this process.
In laboratory experiments, CBD significantly reduced the viability and reproductive capacity of prostate cancer cells. Further tests using an animal model demonstrated that a daily oral dose of 15 mg/kg of CBD for 30 days effectively slowed tumor growth.
Following the surgical removal of primary tumors, continued CBD treatment for an additional 45 days reduced both local and distant tumor recurrence. Analysis of treated tumors revealed decreased expression of IDO1, a key enzyme in the tryptophan breakdown process, and lower systemic levels of kynurenine.
The researchers concluded that CBD’s ability to target tryptophan catabolism makes it a valuable candidate for treating aggressive prostate cancer. This study builds on existing evidence of CBD’s antitumor properties and underscores its potential as a nonpsychoactive treatment option for managing mCRPC.
