RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Anti-cancer potential of cannabis terpenes in a taxol-resistant model of breast cancer
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 2021.10.08.463667
DO 10.1101/2021.10.08.463667
A1 Andrea M. Tomko
A1 Erin G. Whynot
A1 Lauren F. O’Leary
A1 Denis J. Dupré
YR 2021
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2021/10/09/2021.10.08.463667.abstract
AB Chemotherapeutic resistance can limit breast cancer outcomes; therefore, the exploration of novel therapeutic options is warranted. Isolated compounds found in cannabis have previously been shown to exhibit anti-cancer effects, but little is known about their effects in resistant breast cancer. Our study aims to evaluate the effects of terpenes found in cannabis in in vitro chemotherapy-resistant model of breast cancer. We aimed to identify whether five terpenes found in cannabis produced anti-cancer effects, and if their effects were improved upon co-treatment with cannabinoids and flavonoids also found in cannabis. Nerolidol and β-caryophyllene produced the greatest cytotoxic effects, activated the apoptotic cascade and reduced cellular invasion. Combinations with the flavonoid kaempferol potentiated the cytotoxic effects of ocimene, terpinolene, and β-myrcene. Combinations of nerolidol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or cannabidiol produced variable responses ranging from antagonism and additivity to synergy, depending on concentrations used. Our results indicate that cannabis terpenes, alone or combined with cannabinoids and flavonoids, produced anti-cancer effects in chemotherapy-resistant breast cancer cell lines. This study is a first step in the identification of compounds that could have therapeutic potential in the treatment of resistant breast cancer.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.