HCC, effect of cannabinoids in animal models

Disease modelTreatmentComparatorResultsRef.

Female athymic nude mice;

HepG2 cells s.c. xenograft

CBD suspension (40 mg/kg per day p.o.), for two weeksControls: castor oilTumour volume in controls was ~1,100 mm3, in mice treated with CBD ~600 mm3; CBD effectively suppresses HCC cell growth in vivo and in vitro[105]

Male athymic nude mice;

HepG2 or HuH-7 cells s.c. xenograft

THC (15 mg/kg per day s.c.), for two weeksControls: JWH-015 (1.5 mg/kg per day) or vehicle (saline)Tumour volume in controls was 2 to 3 times higher than in mice treated with THC or JWH-015; THC effectively suppresses HCC cell growth[106]
Male athymic nude mice, orthotopic HCC model. HepG2 cells inoculated in the liverTHC (15 mg/kg per day s.c.), for 10 daysControls: JWH-015 (1.5 mg/kg per day) or vehicle (saline)THC and JWH-015 reduced ascites and alpha-fetoprotein expression, parallel to mTORC1 inhibition, AMPK activation and autophagy stimulation[106]

mTORC1: mechanistic (mammalian) target of rapamycin complex 1; AMPK: adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase; p.o.: per os; ~: about