1
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Bhattacharjee P, Iyer MR. Rational Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Fluorescent CB 2 Receptor Ligands for Live-Cell Imaging: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1235. [PMID: 37765043 PMCID: PMC10534640 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated via endogenous lipids called endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a critical role in the regulation of several physiological states and a wide range of diseases. In recent years, drug discovery approaches targeting the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) have gained prominence. Particular attention has been given to selective agonists targeting the CB2 receptors to circumvent the neuropsychotropic side effects associated with CB1 receptors. The pharmacological modulation of CB2R holds therapeutic promise for various diseases, such as inflammatory disorders and immunological conditions, as well as pain management and cancer treatment. Recently, the utilization of fluorescent probes has emerged as a valuable technique for investigating the interactions between ligands and proteins at an exceptional level of spatial and temporal precision. In this review, we aim to examine the progress made in the development of fluorescent probes targeting CB2 receptors and highlight their significance in facilitating the successful clinical translation of CB2R-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malliga R. Iyer
- Section on Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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2
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Gündel D, Deuther-Conrad W, Ueberham L, Kaur S, Otikova E, Teodoro R, Toussaint M, Lai TH, Clauß O, Scheunemann M, Bormans G, Bachmann M, Kopka K, Brust P, Moldovan RP. Structure-Based Design, Optimization, and Development of [ 18F]LU13: A Novel Radioligand for Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 Imaging in the Brain with PET. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9034-9049. [PMID: 35771668 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is an attractive target for the diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In this study, we aimed at the development of a novel 18F-labeled radioligand starting from the structure of the known naphthyrid-2-one CB2R ligands. Compound 28 (LU13) was identified with the highest binding affinity and selectivity versus CB1R (CB2RKi = 0.6 nM; CB1RKi/CB2RKi > 1000) and was selected for radiolabeling with fluorine-18 and biological characterization. The new radioligand [18F]LU13 showed high CB2R affinity in vitro as well as high metabolic stability in vivo. PET imaging with [18F]LU13 in a rat model of vector-based/-related hCB2R overexpression in the striatum revealed a high signal-to-background ratio. Thus, [18F]LU13 is a novel and highly promising PET radioligand for the imaging of upregulated CB2R expression under pathological conditions in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gündel
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Winnie Deuther-Conrad
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lea Ueberham
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarandeep Kaur
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elina Otikova
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Teodoro
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Magali Toussaint
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thu Hang Lai
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Research and Development, ROTOP Pharmaka GmbH, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver Clauß
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Scheunemann
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Guy Bormans
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael Bachmann
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Kopka
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.,Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, TU Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Brust
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.,The Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rareş-Petru Moldovan
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
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3
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Teodoro R, Gündel D, Deuther-Conrad W, Ueberham L, Toussaint M, Bormans G, Brust P, Moldovan RP. Development of [ 18F]LU14 for PET Imaging of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158051. [PMID: 34360817 PMCID: PMC8347709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2R) represent an attractive therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Aiming at the development of a positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer to monitor receptor density and/or occupancy during a CB2R-tailored therapy, we herein describe the radiosynthesis of cis-[18F]1-(4-fluorobutyl-N-((1s,4s)-4-methylcyclohexyl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamide ([18F]LU14) starting from the corresponding mesylate precursor. The first biological evaluation revealed that [18F]LU14 is a highly affine CB2R radioligand with >80% intact tracer in the brain at 30 min p.i. Its further evaluation by PET in a well-established rat model of CB2R overexpression demonstrated its ability to selectively image the CB2R in the brain and its potential as a tracer to further investigate disease-related changes in CB2R expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Teodoro
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Daniel Gündel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Winnie Deuther-Conrad
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Lea Ueberham
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Magali Toussaint
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Guy Bormans
- Radiopharmaceutical Research, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Peter Brust
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
- The Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rareş-Petru Moldovan
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Neuroradiopharmaceuticals, Research Site Leipzig, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (D.G.); (W.D.-C.); (L.U.); (M.T.); (P.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3412-3417-94634
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4
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Hamilton AJ, Payne AD, Mocerino M, Gunosewoyo H. Imaging Cannabinoid Receptors: A Brief Collection of Covalent and Fluorescent Probes for CB1 and CB2 Receptors. Aust J Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/ch21007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There has been an expanding public interest towards the notion that modulation of the sophisticated endocannabinoid system can lead to various therapeutic benefits that are yet to be fully explored. In recent years, the drug discovery paradigm in this field has been largely based on the development of selective CB2 receptor agonists, avoiding the unwanted CB1 receptor-mediated psychoactive side effects. Mechanistically, target engagement studies are crucial for confirming the ligand–receptor interaction and the subsequent biological cascades that lead to the observed therapeutic effects. Concurrently, imaging techniques for visualisation of cannabinoid receptors are increasingly reported in the literature. Small molecule imaging tools ranging from phytocannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) to the endocannabinoids as well as the purely synthetic cannabimimetics, have been explored to date with varying degrees of success. This Review will cover currently known photoactivatable, electrophilic, and fluorescent ligands for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Structural insights from techniques such as ligand-assisted protein structure (LAPS) and the discovery of novel allosteric modulators are significant additions for better understanding of the endocannabinoid system. There has also been a plethora of fluorescent conjugates that have been assessed for their binding to cannabinoid receptors as well as their potential for cellular imaging. More recently, bifunctional probes containing either fluorophores or electrophilic tags are becoming more prevalent in the literature. Collectively, these molecular tools are invaluable in demonstrating target engagement within the human endocannabinoid system.
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5
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Basagni F, Rosini M, Decker M. Functionalized Cannabinoid Subtype 2 Receptor Ligands: Fluorescent, PET, Photochromic and Covalent Molecular Probes. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1374-1389. [PMID: 32578963 PMCID: PMC7497013 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid subtype 2 receptors (CB2 Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belonging to the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of signalling pathways leading to the regulation of key physiological processes. Interestingly, CB2 Rs are strongly up-regulated in pathological conditions correlated with the onset of inflammatory events like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, CB2 Rs represent an important biological target for therapeutic as well as diagnostic purposes. No CB2 R-selective drugs are yet on the market, thus underlining a that deeper comprehension of CB2 Rs' complex activation pathways and their role in the regulation of diseases is needed. Herein, we report an overview of pharmacological and imaging tools such as fluorescent, positron emission tomography (PET), photochromic and covalent selective CB2 R ligands. These molecular probes can be used in vitro as well as in vivo to investigate and explore the unravelled role(s) of CB2 Rs, and they can help to design suitable CB2 R-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Basagni
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food ChemistryJulius Maximilian University of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyUniversity of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and BiotechnologyUniversity of BolognaVia Belmeloro 640126BolognaItaly
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Institute of Pharmacy and Food ChemistryJulius Maximilian University of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
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6
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Wei D, Tao Z, Shi Q, Wang L, Liu L, She T, Yi Q, Wen X, Liu L, Li S, Yang H, Jiang X. Selective Photokilling of Colorectal Tumors by Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy with a GPA33-Targeted Single-Chain Antibody Variable Fragment Conjugate. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:2508-2517. [PMID: 32396000 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-based near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Tumor cells can be selectively and efficiently killed by the targeted delivery of an antibody-photoabsorber complex followed by exposure to NIR light. Glycoprotein A33 antigen (GPA33) is highly expressed in most human colorectal cancers (CRCs) and is an ideal diagnostic and therapeutic target. We previously produced a single-chain fragment of a variable antibody against GPA33 (A33scFv antibody). Here, we investigate the efficacy of NIR-PIT by combining A33scFv with the NIR photoabsorber IR700 (A33scFv-IR700). In vitro, recombinant A33scFv displayed specific binding and delivery of an NIR dye to GPA33-positive tumor cells. Furthermore, A33scFv-IR700-mediated NIR-PIT was successful in rapidly and specifically killing GPA33-positive colorectal tumor cells. NIR-PIT treatment induced the release of lactate dehydrogenase from tumor cells, followed by cell necrosis, rather than apoptosis, through the promotion of reactive oxygen species accumulation in tumor cells. In mice bearing LS174T tumor grafts, A33scFv selectively accumulated in GPA33-positive tumors. Following only a single injection of the conjugate and subsequent illumination, A33scFv-IR700-mediated NIR-PIT induced a significant increase in therapeutic response in LS174T-tumor mice compared with that in the non-NIR-PIT groups (p < 0.001). Because the GPA33 antigen is specifically expressed in CRC tumors, A33scFv-IR700 might be a promising antibody fragment-photoabsorber conjugate for NIR-PIT of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Wei
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Second Affiliated Chengdu Clinical College of Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu 610031, China.,Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Regenerative Medical Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ze Tao
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Regenerative Medical Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiuxiao Shi
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Regenerative Medical Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Second Affiliated Chengdu Clinical College of Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Second Affiliated Chengdu Clinical College of Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Tianshan She
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Regenerative Medical Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qin Yi
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiang Wen
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shengfu Li
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Regenerative Medical Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Regenerative Medical Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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7
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Peiró Cadahía J, Previtali V, Troelsen NS, Clausen MH. Prodrug strategies for targeted therapy triggered by reactive oxygen species. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1531-1549. [PMID: 31673314 PMCID: PMC6786010 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00169g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been associated with numerous pathophysiological conditions including cancer and inflammation and the ROS stimulus constitutes a potential trigger for drug delivery strategies. Over the past decade, a number of ROS-sensitive functionalities have been identified with the purpose of introducing disease-targeting properties into small molecule drugs - a prodrug strategy that offers a promising approach for increasing the selectivity and efficacy of treatments. This review will provide an overview of the ROS-responsive prodrugs developed to date. A discussion on the current progress and limitations is provided along with a reflection on the unanswered questions that need to be addressed in order to advance this novel approach to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viola Previtali
- Center for Nanomedicine & Theranostics , Department of Chemistry , Technical University of Denmark , Kemitorvet 207 , DK 2800 , Kongens Lyngby , Denmark .
| | - Nikolaj S Troelsen
- Center for Nanomedicine & Theranostics , Department of Chemistry , Technical University of Denmark , Kemitorvet 207 , DK 2800 , Kongens Lyngby , Denmark .
| | - Mads H Clausen
- Center for Nanomedicine & Theranostics , Department of Chemistry , Technical University of Denmark , Kemitorvet 207 , DK 2800 , Kongens Lyngby , Denmark .
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8
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Hwang JW, Jung SJ, Cheong TC, Kim Y, Shin EP, Heo I, Kim G, Cho NH, Wang KK, Kim YR. Smart Hybrid Nanocomposite for Photodynamic Inactivation of Cancer Cells with Selectivity. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:6776-6783. [PMID: 31310131 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b04301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy has been efficiently applied for cancer therapy. Here, we have fabricated the folic acid (FA)- and pheophorbide A (PA)-conjugated FA/PA@Fe3O4 nanoparticle (smart hybrid nanocomposite, SHN) to enhance the photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of specific cancer cells. SHN coated with the PDI agent is designed to have selectivity for the folate receptor (FR) expressed on cancer cells. Structural characteristics and morphology of the fabricated MNPs were studied with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The photophysical properties of SHN were investigated with absorption, emission spectroscopies, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the magnetic property of Fe3O4 nanoparticle (MNP) can be utilized for the collection of SHNs by an external magnetic field. The photofunctionality was given by the photosensitizer, PA, which generates reactive oxygen species by irradiation of visible light. Generation of singlet oxygen was directly evaluated with time-resolved phosphorescence spectroscopy. Biocompatibility and cellular interaction of SHN were also analyzed by using various cancer cells, such as KB, HeLa, and MCF-7 cells which express different levels of FR on the surface. Cellular adsorption and the PDI effect of SHN on the various cancer cells in vitro were correlated well with the surface expression levels of FR, suggesting potential applicability of SHN on specific targeting and PDI of FR-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Wook Hwang
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , 50 Yonsei-ro , Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Jin Jung
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , 50 Yonsei-ro , Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea
| | - Taek-Chin Cheong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology , Seoul National University College of Medicine , 103 Daehak-ro , Jongno-gu Seoul 03080 , Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences , Seoul National University College of Medicine , 103 Daehak-ro , Jongno-gu Seoul 03080 , Republic of Korea
| | - Yuri Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology , Seoul National University College of Medicine , 103 Daehak-ro , Jongno-gu Seoul 03080 , Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences , Seoul National University College of Medicine , 103 Daehak-ro , Jongno-gu Seoul 03080 , Republic of Korea
| | - Eon Pil Shin
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , 50 Yonsei-ro , Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea
| | - Il Heo
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , 50 Yonsei-ro , Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea
| | - Gwanghun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology , Seoul National University College of Medicine , 103 Daehak-ro , Jongno-gu Seoul 03080 , Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences , Seoul National University College of Medicine , 103 Daehak-ro , Jongno-gu Seoul 03080 , Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Hyuk Cho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology , Seoul National University College of Medicine , 103 Daehak-ro , Jongno-gu Seoul 03080 , Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences , Seoul National University College of Medicine , 103 Daehak-ro , Jongno-gu Seoul 03080 , Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Kyun Wang
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , 50 Yonsei-ro , Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Rok Kim
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , 50 Yonsei-ro , Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea
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9
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Ling X, Zhang S, Liu Y, Bai M. Light-activatable cannabinoid prodrug for combined and target-specific photodynamic and cannabinoid therapy. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2018; 23:1-9. [PMID: 30334393 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.23.10.108001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are emerging as promising antitumor drugs. However, complete tumor eradication solely by cannabinoid therapy remains challenging. In this study, we developed a far-red light activatable cannabinoid prodrug, which allows for tumor-specific and combinatory cannabinoid and photodynamic therapy. This prodrug consists of a phthalocyanine photosensitizer (PS), reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive linker, and cannabinoid. It targets the type-2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) overexpressed in various types of cancers. Upon the 690-nm light irradiation, the PS produces cytotoxic ROS, which simultaneously cleaves the ROS-sensitive linker and subsequently releases the cannabinoid drug. We found that this unique multifunctional prodrug design offered dramatically improved therapeutic efficacy, and therefore provided a new strategy for targeted, controlled, and effective antitumor cannabinoid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi Ling
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Shaojuan Zhang
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yang Liu
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Mingfeng Bai
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Bioengineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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10
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Zhang J, Zhang S, Liu Y, Su M, Ling X, Liu F, Ge Y, Bai M. Combined CB2 receptor agonist and photodynamic therapy synergistically inhibit tumor growth in triple negative breast cancer. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2018; 24:185-191. [PMID: 30240926 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the deadliest form of breast cancer because it is more aggressive, diagnosed at later stage and more likely to develop local and systemic recurrence. Many patients do not experience adequate tumor control after current clinical treatments involving surgical removal, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, leading to disease progression and significantly decreased quality of life. Here we report a new combinatory therapy strategy involving cannabinoid-based medicine and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of TNBC. This combinatory therapy targets two proteins upregulated in TNBC: the cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R, a G-protein coupled receptor) and translocator protein (TSPO, a mitochondria membrane receptor). We found that the combined CB2R agonist and TSPO-PDT treatment resulted in synergistic inhibition in TNBC cell and tumor growth. This combinatory therapy approach provides new opportunities to treat TNBC with high efficacy. In addition, this study provides new evidence on the therapeutic potential of CB2R agonists for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiliang Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, #1 Fuwai Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450000, China
| | - Shaojuan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Meng Su
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Xiaoxi Ling
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Funan Liu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yinghui Ge
- Department of Radiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, #1 Fuwai Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450000, China.
| | - Mingfeng Bai
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA.
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11
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Cooper A, Singh S, Hook S, Tyndall JDA, Vernall AJ. Chemical Tools for Studying Lipid-Binding Class A G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2017; 69:316-353. [PMID: 28655732 DOI: 10.1124/pr.116.013243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid, free fatty acid, lysophosphatidic acid, sphingosine 1-phosphate, prostanoid, leukotriene, bile acid, and platelet-activating factor receptor families are class A G protein-coupled receptors with endogenous lipid ligands. Pharmacological tools are crucial for studying these receptors and addressing the many unanswered questions surrounding expression of these receptors in normal and diseased tissues. An inherent challenge for developing tools for these lipid receptors is balancing the often lipophilic requirements of the receptor-binding pharmacophore with favorable physicochemical properties to optimize highly specific binding. In this study, we review the radioligands, fluorescent ligands, covalent ligands, and antibodies that have been used to study these lipid-binding receptors. For each tool type, the characteristics and design rationale along with in vitro and in vivo applications are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cooper
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sameek Singh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Hook
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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12
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Wang J, Xu Y, Zhu L, Zou Y, Kong W, Dong B, Huang J, Chen Y, Xue W, Huang Y, Zhang J. Cannabinoid receptor 2 as a novel target for promotion of renal cell carcinoma prognosis and progression. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2017; 144:39-52. [PMID: 28993942 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2527-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy of urogenital system, and patients with RCC may face a poor prognosis. However, limited curable therapeutic options are currently available. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) in RCC progression. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was to investigate the expression pattern of CB2 in 418 RCC tissues and explore its prognostic function in RCC patients. Furthermore, the role of used CB2 si-RNA knockdown and inhibited by AM630, a CB2 inverse agonist, on cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle of RCC cell lines in vitro was also investigated. RESULTS We observed that CB2 was up-regulated in RCC tissues, and presented as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of RCC patients and higher CB2 expression tends to have poor clinical outcomes in survival analyses. Moreover, we also observed that CB2, incorporated with pN stage, pathological grade, and recurrence or distant metastasis after surgery, could obviously enhance their prognostic accuracy in a predictive nomogram analysis. In addition, knockdown or inhibition by AM630 for the expression of CB2 in vitro could significantly decreased cell proliferation and migration, and obviously induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M of RCC cells. CONCLUSIONS CB2 expression is functionally related to cellular proliferation, migration, and cell cycle of RCC cells. Our data suggest that CB2 might be a potential therapeutic target for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunze Xu
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangsong Zhu
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Zou
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Kong
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baijun Dong
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwei Huang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghui Chen
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Huang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Multilayer photodynamic therapy for highly effective and safe cancer treatment. Acta Biomater 2017; 54:271-280. [PMID: 28285077 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recent efforts to develop tumor-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) photosensitizers (PSs) have greatly advanced the potential of PDT in cancer therapy, although complete eradication of tumor cells by PDT alone remains challenging. As a way to improve PDT efficacy, we report a new combinatory PDT therapy technique that specifically targets multilayers of cells. Simply mixing different PDT PSs, even those that target distinct receptors (this may still lead to similar cell-killing pathways), may not achieve ideal therapeutic outcomes. Instead, significantly improved outcomes likely require synergistic therapies that target various cellular pathways. In this study, we target two proteins upregulated in cancers: the cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R, a G-protein coupled receptor) and translocator protein (TSPO, a mitochondria membrane receptor). We found that the CB2R-targeted PS, IR700DX-mbc94, triggered necrotic cell death upon light irradiation, whereas PDT with the TSPO-targeted IR700DX-6T agent led to apoptotic cell death. Both PSs significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo in a target-specific manner. As expected, the combined CB2R- and TSPO-PDT resulted in enhanced cell killing efficacy and tumor inhibition with lower drug dose. The median survival time of animals with multilayer PDT treatment was extended by as much as 2.8-fold over single PDT treatment. Overall, multilayer PDT provides new opportunities to treat cancers with high efficacy and low side effects. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly used as a minimally invasive, controllable and effective therapeutic procedure for cancer treatment. However, complete eradication of tumor cells by PDT alone remains challenging. In this study, we investigate the potential of multilayer PDT in cancer treatment with high efficacy and low side effects. Through PDT targeting two cancer biomarkers located at distinct subcellular localizations, remarkable synergistic effects in cancer cell killing and tumor inhibition were observed in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. This strategy may be widely applied to treat various cancer types by using strategically designed PDT photosensitizers that target corresponding upregulated receptors at tactical subcellular localization.
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14
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Morales P, Moreno L, Fernández-Ruiz J, Jagerovic N. Synthesis of a novel CB2 cannabinoid-porphyrin conjugate based on an antitumor chromenopyrazoledione. J PORPHYR PHTHALOCYA 2017. [DOI: 10.1142/s1088424617500092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
With the objective of developing an antitumor agent, the synthesis of a chromenopyrazoledione conjugated to a tetraphenylporphyrin is described. A complete conformational analysis of the novel porphyrin conjugate was performed using ab initio Hartree–Fock calculations at the 6-31G* level. The novel conjugate (14) shows stronger absorption intensity for both Soret and Q-bands than the free meso-tetraphenylporphyrin. It binds weakly but selectively to the cannabinoid receptor type-2. During the synthetic approach, a new tetraphenylporphyrin, 5-[4-(3,5-dioxomorpholino)phenyl]-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin (10), has been characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIS), Unidad Asociada, l+D+i IQM/Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Calle Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIS), Unidad Asociada, l+D+i IQM/Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Calle Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades, Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIS), Unidad Asociada, l+D+i IQM/Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Calle Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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15
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Zhang S, Yang L, Ling X, Shao P, Wang X, Edwards WB, Bai M. Tumor mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy with a translocator protein (TSPO)-specific photosensitizer. Acta Biomater 2015; 28:160-170. [PMID: 26432436 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been proven to be a minimally invasive and effective therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. It can be used alone or as a complement to conventional cancer treatments, such as surgical debulking and chemotherapy. The mitochondrion is an attractive target for developing novel PDT agents, as it produces energy for cells and regulates apoptosis. Current strategy of mitochondria targeting is mainly focused on utilizing cationic photosensitizers that bind to the negatively charged mitochondria membrane. However, such an approach is lack of selectivity of tumor cells. To minimize the damage on healthy tissues and improve therapeutic efficacy, an alternative targeting strategy with high tumor specificity is in critical need. Herein, we report a tumor mitochondria-specific PDT agent, IR700DX-6T, which targets the 18kDa mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO). IR700DX-6T induced apoptotic cell death in TSPO-positive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) but not TSPO-negative breast cancer cells (MCF-7). In vivo PDT study suggested that IR700DX-6T-mediated PDT significantly inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 tumors in a target-specific manner. These combined data suggest that this new TSPO-targeted photosensitizer has great potential in cancer treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective and minimally invasive therapeutic technique for treating cancers. Mitochondrion is an attractive target for developing novel PDT agents, as it produces energy to cells and regulates apoptosis. Current mitochondria targeted photosensitizers (PSs) are based on cationic molecules, which interact with the negatively charged mitochondria membrane. However, such PSs are not specific for cancerous cells, which may result in unwanted side effects. In this study, we developed a tumor mitochondria-targeted PS, IR700DX-6T, which binds to translocator protein (TSPO). This agent effectively induced apoptosis in TSPO-positive cancer cells and significantly inhibited tumor growth in TSPO-positive tumor-bearing mice. These combined data suggest that IR700DX-6T could become a powerful tool in the treatment of multiple cancers that upregulate TSPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojuan Zhang
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Ling Yang
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoxi Ling
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Pin Shao
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - W Barry Edwards
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Mingfeng Bai
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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Fowler CJ. Delta(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol as potential curative agents for cancer: A critical examination of the preclinical literature. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2015; 97:587-96. [PMID: 25669486 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An Internet search with search words "cannabis cures cancer" produce a wealth of sites claiming that cannabis has this effect. These sites are freely accessible to the general public and thus contribute to public opinion. But do delta(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9) -THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) cure cancer? In the absence of clinical data other than a safety study and case reports, preclinical data should be evaluated in terms of its predictive value. Using a strict approach where only concentrations and/or models relevant to the clinical situation are considered, the current preclinical data do not yet provide robust evidence that systemically administered Δ(9) -THC will be useful for the curative treatment of cancer. There is more support for an intratumoral route of administration of higher doses of Δ(9) -THC. CBD produces effects in relevant concentrations and models, although more data are needed concerning its use in conjunction with other treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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