Lung cancer patient who had declined conventional cancer treatment: could the self-administration of 'CBD oil' be contributing to the observed tumour regression?

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Oct 14;14(10):e244195. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-244195.

Abstract

Conventional lung cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, these treatments are often poorly tolerated by patients. Cannabinoids have been studied for use as a primary cancer treatment. Cannabinoids, which are chemically similar to our own body's endocannabinoids, can interact with signalling pathways to control the fate of cells, including cancer cells. We present a patient who declined conventional lung cancer treatment. Without the knowledge of her clinicians, she chose to self-administer 'cannabidiol (CBD) oil' orally 2-3 times daily. Serial imaging shows that her cancer reduced in size progressively from 41 mm to 10 mm over a period of 2.5 years. Previous studies have failed to agree on the usefulness of cannabinoids as a cancer treatment. This case appears to demonstrate a possible benefit of 'CBD oil' intake that may have resulted in the observed tumour regression. The use of cannabinoids as a potential cancer treatment justifies further research.

Keywords: cancer intervention; complementary medicine; lung cancer (oncology); malignant disease and immunosuppression; respiratory medicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cannabidiol*
  • Cannabinoids*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Cannabidiol