Cannabidiol as a novel therapeutic agent in breast cancer: evidence from literature
Abstract Background Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, posing significant challenges due to its heterogeneity and the emergence of drug resistance. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa, has recently gained attention for its potential...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | BMC Cancer |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-14175-z |
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| author | Mojtaba Esmaeli Maryam Dehghanpour Dehabadi Ali Asghar Khaleghi |
| author_facet | Mojtaba Esmaeli Maryam Dehghanpour Dehabadi Ali Asghar Khaleghi |
| author_sort | Mojtaba Esmaeli |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, posing significant challenges due to its heterogeneity and the emergence of drug resistance. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa, has recently gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects in breast cancer. Objective This review aims to evaluate the antitumor effects of CBD in breast cancer treatment by synthesizing preclinical and clinical evidence, elucidating its mechanisms of action, and exploring its translational potential. Methods A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, using keywords such as “Cannabidiol,” “CBD,” “Breast Cancer,” “Therapeutic Agent,” and “Antitumor Effects.” A total of 1,191 articles were initially identified. After duplicate removal and eligibility screening, 34 studies published between 1998 and 2025 were selected, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations. Studies were assessed based on PRISMA recommendations, considering inclusion criteria such as CBD’s impact on apoptosis, cell proliferation, tumor progression, and molecular mechanisms. Results CBD demonstrated significant anticancer effects, including induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, suppression of metastasis, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, CBD modulates key pathways such as PI3K/Akt, mTOR, and PPARγ and interacts with CB1, CB2, and non-cannabinoid receptors. Preclinical studies showed CBD’s efficacy, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), while limited clinical trials highlighted its potential as an adjunct to conventional therapies. Conclusion CBD offers a promising therapeutic approach for breast cancer, especially for aggressive subtypes like TNBC. However, challenges such as variability in study design, lack of standardized protocols, and limited clinical validation hinder its clinical application. Future research should focus on conducting robust clinical trials, identifying predictive biomarkers, and optimizing combinatorial therapies to integrate CBD into personalized cancer treatment strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-99a183fe544b407ca45beed469ccb5b5 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1471-2407 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Cancer |
| spelling | doaj-art-99a183fe544b407ca45beed469ccb5b52025-08-20T03:13:53ZengBMCBMC Cancer1471-24072025-04-0125112010.1186/s12885-025-14175-zCannabidiol as a novel therapeutic agent in breast cancer: evidence from literatureMojtaba Esmaeli0Maryam Dehghanpour Dehabadi1Ali Asghar Khaleghi2Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical SciencesCellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Medical Emergencies, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical ScienceAbstract Background Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, posing significant challenges due to its heterogeneity and the emergence of drug resistance. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa, has recently gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects in breast cancer. Objective This review aims to evaluate the antitumor effects of CBD in breast cancer treatment by synthesizing preclinical and clinical evidence, elucidating its mechanisms of action, and exploring its translational potential. Methods A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, using keywords such as “Cannabidiol,” “CBD,” “Breast Cancer,” “Therapeutic Agent,” and “Antitumor Effects.” A total of 1,191 articles were initially identified. After duplicate removal and eligibility screening, 34 studies published between 1998 and 2025 were selected, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations. Studies were assessed based on PRISMA recommendations, considering inclusion criteria such as CBD’s impact on apoptosis, cell proliferation, tumor progression, and molecular mechanisms. Results CBD demonstrated significant anticancer effects, including induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, suppression of metastasis, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, CBD modulates key pathways such as PI3K/Akt, mTOR, and PPARγ and interacts with CB1, CB2, and non-cannabinoid receptors. Preclinical studies showed CBD’s efficacy, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), while limited clinical trials highlighted its potential as an adjunct to conventional therapies. Conclusion CBD offers a promising therapeutic approach for breast cancer, especially for aggressive subtypes like TNBC. However, challenges such as variability in study design, lack of standardized protocols, and limited clinical validation hinder its clinical application. Future research should focus on conducting robust clinical trials, identifying predictive biomarkers, and optimizing combinatorial therapies to integrate CBD into personalized cancer treatment strategies.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-14175-zCannabidiol (CBD)Breast cancerTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)ApoptosisMetastasisMolecular pathways |
| spellingShingle | Mojtaba Esmaeli Maryam Dehghanpour Dehabadi Ali Asghar Khaleghi Cannabidiol as a novel therapeutic agent in breast cancer: evidence from literature BMC Cancer Cannabidiol (CBD) Breast cancer Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) Apoptosis Metastasis Molecular pathways |
| title | Cannabidiol as a novel therapeutic agent in breast cancer: evidence from literature |
| title_full | Cannabidiol as a novel therapeutic agent in breast cancer: evidence from literature |
| title_fullStr | Cannabidiol as a novel therapeutic agent in breast cancer: evidence from literature |
| title_full_unstemmed | Cannabidiol as a novel therapeutic agent in breast cancer: evidence from literature |
| title_short | Cannabidiol as a novel therapeutic agent in breast cancer: evidence from literature |
| title_sort | cannabidiol as a novel therapeutic agent in breast cancer evidence from literature |
| topic | Cannabidiol (CBD) Breast cancer Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) Apoptosis Metastasis Molecular pathways |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-14175-z |
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