Research studies are showing that incorporating whole plant (full-spectrum) cannabinoids into a natural treatment regimen may improve anti-tumor effects in both hormone-sensitive and triple-negative breast cancers.

Hormone-sensitive breast cancers are classified using two biomarkers: hormonal receptors (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) and the HER2 oncogene. In a patient’s diagnosis this is denoted as ER+, PR+ and HER2+, with any combination of biomarkers possible.

In triple-negative breast cancer, which is a more aggressive malignancy, neither hormonal receptors nor the HER2 oncogene are expressed. This means that the cancer has no specific ties or drivers, so the patient is not a candidate for hormone or gene-specific treatments.

A study conducted on each of these cancer types found that THC-rich oil (whole plant cannabinoids) had more pronounced anti-tumor effects than single-molecule THC. The anti-tumor effect or “Entourage Effect” refers to the natural synergy between multiple cannabis compounds which, when combined, have a therapeutic impact much more powerful than the sum of cannabis’ individual components.

Specifically in hormone-sensitive breast cancers, whole plant cannabinoid oils have an average 15-25% greater anti-proliferative effect than single THC extracts.

The research study focused on 1:1 THC:CBD ratios, along with measurable amounts of CBG, THCa, caryophyllene, humulene, nerolidol, linalool and pinene.

Although I prefer patients seek individualized testing to determine which forms, brands, and dosages of cannabis are the best for them, I am comfortable recommending that any breast cancer patient consider incorporating some form of full-spectrum cannabinoid into daily supplement regimens. As always, strive to find organic sources.

Note: At this time, recreational cannabis is not legalized in Minnesota, so all THC-dominant cannabinoids must be purchased through a licensed medical professional.

For more information on Conners Clinic or to contact use, please visit www.connersclinic.com or call our office at 651.739.1248.

Bibliography

  1. Andia, Alex. THC Versus Breast Cancer. Project CBD. [Online] March 18, 2019. [Cited: July 30, 2019.] https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/thc-versus-breast-cancer.
  2. Blasco-Benito, S, et al. Appraising the “entourage effect”: Antitumor action of a pure cannabinoid versus a botanical drug preparation in preclinical models of breast cancer. NCBI. [Online] June 27, 2018. [Cited: July 30, 2019.] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29940172.