Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in cannabis and derived from hemp. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. It is lauded for its ability to treat a wide variety of conditions, ranging from rare epilepsies to anxiety.

In late December 2021, Science Daily shared that one study found that inhaled cannabidiol could benefit patients with glioblastoma, a rare and highly malignant brain tumor. Researchers found that, in animal models, inhaled CBD altered the tumor microenvironment and helped reduce glioblastoma size. While more research is needed to determine if the same effects would occur in human patients, these results are promising. 

Interested in learning more? Take a look at the study findings published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 

CBD

To begin, let’s learn a little more about what CBD is. According to Healthline, cannabidiol is: 

One of more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa.

Currently, CBD can be found in supplements, food, drinks, and even beauty products. Because cannabidiol has been shown, in some cases, to have anti-inflammatory properties, researchers wondered whether it could have benefits for glioblastoma. 

To begin, researchers created orthotopic glioblastoma models using modified human glioblastoma cells. Within eight days, mice models of glioblastoma were available for study. Researchers then provided the mice with inhaled CBD. Findings showed:

• The inhaled CBD offers a less invasive therapeutic option than the current standards of care, which include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical interventions. 
• Glioblastoma tumors can create their own blood supply, growing rapidly and causing chronic inflammation. CBD interrupted the tumor microenvironment, creating a stronger immune response.
• Inhaled CBD allowed for some level of inflammation, which targeted and attacked the tumor. As a result, the glioblastoma tumor shrunk. 
• After CBD inhalation, the glioblastoma tumor lost its ability to use glial cells to grow and protect itself.
• Additionally, CBD suppressed interleukin 8 (IL-8), apelin, and P-selectin levels. All of these play a role in glioblastoma growth, treatment resistance, and inflammation. For example, IL-8 may help tumors to grow faster; P-selectin allows faster spread. 
• Altogether, inhaled CBD allowed the body to regain immune checkpoints and prevent the tumor from co-opting these checkpoints for its own benefit. 
• Finally, CBD improved CD103 and CD8 levels, which both play a role in immune response.

Ultimately, additional research is needed on the benefits of inhaled cannabidiol for glioblastoma. These include whether cannabidiol could prevent glioblastoma relapses or recurrence, or whether treatment would be alone or in conjunction with other therapeutic options. 

Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is a rare form of invasive and malignant brain cancer. It forms in astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells, and accounts for around 20% of all brain tumor diagnoses. Males are more likely to develop glioblastoma tumors than females. Other risk factors include previous radiation therapy or having a pre-existing genetic disorder. Symptoms associated with glioblastoma tumors include:

• Appetite loss
• Chronic headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in vision (double vision / blurred vision)
• Difficulty thinking or speaking
• Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
• New or worsening seizures

Learn more about glioblastoma.