Next-generation psychedelic and cannabinoid medicines

CBD has the potential to influence many of the key pathways involved in Glioblastoma pathogenesis, from tumor stemness and proliferation to angiogenesis and local invasion. Glioblastoma tumors express CB2 receptors, through which CBD and other cannabinoids are thought to exert their anti-cancer efforts (Ellert-Miklaszewska, Adv Exp Med Biol, 2013). Developing clinical trials to evaluate CBD combination therapies’ efficacy may represent an important next step toward improving the standard of care for treating glioblastoma for a population of patients with few effective therapeutic options available.

Radiodermatitis (also called radiation dermatitis) is a skin condition caused by the high-energy X-rays delivered during radiation therapy. It affects nearly 95% of patients who receive radiation for cancer treatment, with approximately 85% of patients having moderate-to-severe skin reactions.

Clinicians generally believe that the ideal method for preventing and minimizing skin reactions to radiation treatment is to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial solutions at the cellular level and moisturization of the irradiated area. The current standard of care involves using a simple topical product with petrolatum to provide moisturization and occlusivity to the irradiated area, yet this has left both patients and doctors searching for more effective medicine.

CBD therapy works by interacting with the body’s Endocannabinoid System, which plays an essential role in regulating skin health. When CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the skin receptors, they appear to play a role in controlling inflammation levels and bolster immune response.

Cancer related distress is a complex psychosocial phenomenon that has consequences for patients, their families as well as the healthcare staff. Thus, the importance of prevention, early recognition, treatment, and management is unquestionable.

Cancer-related distress is defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) as
“a multifactorial unpleasant emotional experience of a psychological (cognitive, behavioral, emotional), social, and/or spiritual nature that may interfere with the ability to cope effectively with cancer, its physical symptoms, and its treatment. Distress extends along a continuum, ranging from common normal feelings of vulnerability, sadness, and fears to problems that can become disabling, such as depression, anxiety, panic, social isolation, and existential and spiritual crisis.”

While cancer-related distress is often amenable to treatment, it is frequently under diagnosed and thus undertreated in patients receiving care for cancer. Psychosocial care is increasingly being recognized as an integral component of the clinical management of patients with cancer. Treating distress in cancer benefits the patients and their families/caregiver. For patients with cancer, integration of mental health and medical services is critically important.