Rationalizing a prospective coupling effect of cannabinoids with the current pharmacotherapy for melanoma treatment

Abstract

Melanoma is one of the leading fatal forms of cancer, yet from a treatment perspective, we have minimal control over its reoccurrence and resistance to current pharmacotherapies. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has recently been accepted as a multifaceted homeostatic regulator, influencing various physiological processes across different biological compartments, including the skin. This review presents an overview of the pathophysiology of melanoma, current pharmacotherapy used for treatment, and the challenges associated with the different pharmacological approaches. Furthermore, it highlights the utility of cannabinoids as an additive remedy for melanoma by restoring the balance between downregulated immunomodulatory pathways and elevated inflammatory cytokines during chronic skin conditions as one of the suggested critical approaches in treating this immunogenic tumor.This article is categorized under: Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Salvianolic Acid B Significantly Suppresses the Migration of Melanoma Cells via Direct Interaction with β-Actin

“…Melanoma is one of the most frequent malignancies and represents an aggressive form of skin cancer. Advanced stages of melanoma are characterized by a poor prognosis, mainly due to the lack of effective treatments and the development of resistance to chemotherapy [ 40 , 41 ]. Melanoma therapy is characterized by poor efficacy without evidence of significant improvement in prognosis; furthermore, it is limited by several side effects that negatively affect patients’ quality of life [ 42 ].…”

Evaluating the Mechanism of Cell Death in Melanoma Induced by the Cannabis Extract PHEC-66

“…Moreover, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, ipilimumab, and relatlimab) have demonstrated effective antitumour activity in melanoma. ICIs, including PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1, along with CTLA-4, are evolving treatment options for several types of cancer [15][16][17][18][19]; however, a limited number of patients have been shown to benefit from such therapy [20,21]. Combined therapy between BRAK/MEK and immunotherapy or "checkpoints" effectors has enhanced melanoma patient survival [22].…”