Impact of Cannabinoid Compounds on Skin Cancer

Simple Summary Recent research has suggested that the endocannabinoid system offers several pharmacotherapeutic targets for drug administration as new options for the treatment and prophylaxis of skin cancer. This review focused on the anticarcinogenic mechanisms of cannabinoids at the different levels of skin cancer progression, such as inhibition of tumour growth, proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis, as well as inducing apoptosis and autophagy. Drugs targeting the endocannabinoid system are of interest as potential systemic chemotherapeutic treatments and for palliative care in cancer. In this context, cannabinoid compounds have been successfully tested as a systemic therapeutic option in preclinical models over the past decades. Recent findings have suggested an essential function of the endocannabinoid system in the homeostasis of various skin functions and indicated that cannabinoids could also be considered for the treatment and prophylaxis of tumour diseases of the skin. Cannabinoids have been shown to exert their anticarcinogenic effects at different levels of skin cancer progression, such as inhibition of tumour growth, proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis, as well as inducing apoptosis and autophagy. This review provides an insight into the current literature on cannabinoid compounds as potential pharmaceuticals for the treatment of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Automated summary

Recent research suggests that the endocannabinoid system offers various pharmacotherapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of skin cancer. This review highlights the anticarcinogenic mechanisms of cannabinoids at different stages of skin cancer progression, including inhibiting tumor growth, proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis, as well as inducing apoptosis and autophagy. Cannabinoid compounds have shown promise as systemic chemotherapeutic treatments and for palliative care in cancer. The endocannabinoid system also plays a crucial role in maintaining skin function, and cannabinoids may be considered for the treatment and prevention of skin tumor diseases.