Low-dose THC keeps breast cancer cells in tumor models from reverting to an aggressive state
Recent discoveries have revealed that breast cancer cells are more flexible than previously thought. Some can change from a differentiated state, when a mature cell has taken on a specific function, back to a more stem-like state. From there, they can become more invasive and resistant to treatment.
A recent study reveals that a single dose of THC can keep breast cancer cells from reverting to an aggressive state. Breast cancer cells have the ability to switch between a differentiated state and a more stem-like state, which can lead to increased invasiveness and resistance to treatment. Researchers designed an experiment using low doses of THC on 3D tumor models, known as organoids, derived from mouse breast tumors and patient samples.
After four days of treatment, the organoids did not revert to an aggressive state and remained in a more mature, luminal-like state, similar to the cells lining the breast's milk ducts. The researchers found that targeting the endocannabinoid system's CB2 receptor with THC was responsible for this effect. When CB2R was inhibited, the cancer cells also showed reduced aggressiveness, even in mice genetically engineered to lack the CB2R receptor.
The findings suggest that resetting a cancer cell's identity through the CB2R receptor could be a potential new approach for managing breast cancer, although further research is needed.
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