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
- 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.
- 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.