Cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits tumor growth in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive form that lacks targeted treatments, according to a new study by researchers from Rangsit University and Mahidol University.
The study was published in the Journal of Cannabis Research and indexed by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Triple-negative breast cancer is known for its rapid progression and resistance to conventional therapies. In the study, TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 were treated with CBD in the presence or absence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). The team evaluated changes in cell proliferation, signaling proteins, and the interaction with natural killer (NK) immune cells.
Results showed that CBD increased FAS protein expression—an indicator of programmed cell death—while suppressing activity in the EGFR signaling pathway. This pathway drives cancer growth through proteins such as KRAS, PI3K, and AKT, all of which were downregulated by CBD. The compound also boosted the cancer-fighting activity of NK cells, reducing TNBC cell survival by more than half compared to EGF treatment alone.
Researchers say these findings indicate that CBD may help slow TNBC progression by disrupting growth pathways and promoting apoptosis. They emphasize, however, that further studies are needed to determine safe dosing levels and evaluate potential effects on healthy immune cells.
The study’s conclusion states:
Our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of CBD in TNBC by targeting EGFR-driven pathways, modulating FAS expression, and enhancing immune-mediated killing. To fully realize the potential of CBD, further research is necessary to elucidate its complex mechanisms and assess its clinical efficacy in patients with TNBC. While CBD has significant anticancer properties, its cytotoxicity toward PBMCs necessitates careful dosing and administration strategies to minimize immune suppression. This study offers renewed hope for patients facing this challenging disease, positioning CBD as a potentially potent and multifaceted therapeutic agent.
For the full text of the study, click here.
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