Article by Justin L Scharton, Independent Researcher
Article written on March 9, 2025
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making changes to your healthcare regimen.
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Brain Cancer Breakthroughs: TRP Channels, Cannabinoids, and Glioblastoma Therapies
Glioblastoma
Best known cannabinoids for GBM: CBD +THC (80F)
Best known terpene for GBM: α-terpineol (81F)
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and pervasive subtype of glioma and is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. (82F) GBM has the most research available compared to other brain cancer types.
TRPC1, TRPC6, TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM7, TRPM8, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, CB1 and CB2 are upregulated in GBM. (83F,84F,85F) Except for the first four receptors listed, the others are easily targeted with cannabinoids and terpenes. Alpha-terpineol has been specifically researched for GBM, but we can still modulate these receptors with terpenes and cannabinoids.
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Astrocytoma
Possible cannabinoids for astrocytoma: CBC, CBG, CBD, CBN, CBGV, CBDV, THCV
Possible other compound for astrocytoma: capsaicin
Research needs to verify these compounds specifically for astrocytoma. These are based on activating TRPV1.
High grade astrocytomas express high levels of TRPV1 and that TRPV1 stimulation induces tumor cell death. (86F) Astrocytomas are the cancer of astrocytes, which are the star-shaped glial cells in the cerebrum. They can also affect the spinal cord. (87F)
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Meningioma
Possible cannabinoids for meningioma: THC, CBD, CBDV, CBG, THCV, CBGV, CBN
There are no identified terpenes specific for meningioma, TRPV2, or TRPV4
Research needs to verify these compounds specifically for meningioma. These are based on activating TRPV2 and TRPV4.
TRPV1 and TRPV3 are decreased, TRPV4 is upregulated, and TRPV2 is involved. (88F) Meningioma is a benign central nervous system tumor found in the meninges of the brain and spinal cord. (89F) TRPV2 and TRPV4 look like the pharmacological targets to focus on.
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Ligands for receptors involved with brain cancer
CB1: humulene, THC, Anandamide (AEA), THCV (antagonist), CBG (partial agonist), CBN (Weak agonist). (6D,69A,70A,71A)
CB2: b-caryophyllene, CBD (Inverse agonist), CBC (agonist) CBG (partial agonist), THCV (Partial agonist). (69A,70A,72A,73A)
TRPV1: Capsaicin, CBC, CBG, CBD, CBN, CBDA, CBGA, CBGV, CBDV, THCV, THCVA (3A,13A,19A,20A,21A)
TRPV2: THC, CBD, CBDV, CBG, THCV, CBGV, THCA, CBN (3A,19A)
TRPV3: camphor, menthol, dihydrocarveol, 1,8-cineol, 6-tert-butyl-m-cresol, carvacrol, dihydrocarveol, thymol, carveol, (+)-borneol, eugenol, CBD, CBGA, CBGV, THCV. (3A,19A,36A,38A,39A)
TRPV4: CBDV, CBG, THCV, CBN, CBGV, CBGA. (3A,54A)
TRPM7: carvacrol (found in oregano). (18E)
TRPM8: eucalyptol (1.8 cineole), CBC, CBG, CBD, CBN, THC, THCA, THCV, CBDV, CBDA, THCVA, CBGV. (3A,19A,54A,33D)
Glioblastomas reside behind the blood brain barrier (BBB). (85F) Earlier assumptions suggested that acidic forms like THCA do not cross the BBB, newer studies show that THCA and CBDA can enter the brain and exhibit neuroprotective or anti-inflammatory effects. (92F) THC and CBD have been researched for glioblastoma, THCA might offer potential benefits that need researching.
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TRPM8's role in GBM
TRPM8 receptors in glioblastoma can contribute to the spreading, survival and radioresistance of this cancer. (90F)
Alpha-Terpineol for GBM
α-terpineol suppresses glioblastoma growth, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and temozolomide (TMZ) resistance. (81F)
In GBM, a-terpineol targets Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu containing 2 (KDELC2) which will downregulate Notch and PI3k/mTOR/MAPK signaling pathways. More importantly, a-terpineol downregulates O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression. (81F) MGMT is a repair enzyme that causes problems with chemoresistance, and is a target for cancer treatment. (91F)
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THC and CBD for GBM
Cannabinoids like THC promote autophagy-mediated apoptosis in glioma cells, and when combined with the chemotherapy drug temozolomide (TMZ), they exert a strong antitumoral effect in TMZ-resistant tumors. Using lower doses of THC and CBD together with TMZ still significantly reduces tumor growth. (80F)
See the breast cancer section for dosing
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