Cannabis sativa: Cervical cancer treatment- Role of phytocannabinoids-A story of concern

This litrature review paper highlights the role of phytocannabinoids in controlling cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among females worldwide. Cervical cancer (CC) is a malignant form of tumor which originates in the cervix. Cervical cancer, which develops in a woman’s cervix, is the second-most common cancer among women in India The causative agent of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk subtypes of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the E5, E6 and E7 viral onco-proteins cooperate with host factors to induce and maintain the malignant phenotype. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for subclinical/clinical lesions in cervical cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 are the most common HPV types identified in invasive cervical cancer. Currently, the recommended therapeutic regimens include chemotherapy, radiation therapy either alone or in combination and surgical interventions. However, they present several limitations including side effects or ineffectiveness. Medicinal plants including Cannabis sativa have been used for decades for health benefits and to treat several different diseases including cervical cancer. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for recreational, medicinal, or religious purposes. Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. The two phytocannabinoids the most well known for their therapeutic properties are, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis and cannabinoids hold big promise for cancer therapy. However, there is a need to understand more about the role of Endocannabinoid system (ECS) in normal human physiology and malignant transformations. Molecular mechanisms of Endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulation and anticancer properties of cannabis also need to be clarified. The treatment durations in the existing trials are also of concern. Future epidemiological and clinical studies are required to further assess the benefits of herbal medicines for the prevention of cervical cancer. In addition, preclinical and human clinical trial evaluations of cannabis for cervical cancer treatment have not specifically been conducted, so further investigations related to this are warranted. Therefore, HPV immunization programme is the best ideal solution for the eradication of cervical cancer.