Cannabidiol in Gliomas: Therapeutic Potential and Nanocarrier Strategies, with an Emphasis on Vesicular Delivery Systems

TL;DR

This paper reviews how cannabidiol (CBD) could help treat glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor, and how nanotechnology can improve CBD delivery.

Contribution

The paper emphasizes the use of lipid-based nanocarriers to enhance CBD's bioavailability and therapeutic potential in glioblastoma.

Findings

CBD modulates key signaling pathways and inhibits tumor proliferation in glioblastoma.

Nanocarriers like liposomes and nanoemulsions improve CBD's delivery to the central nervous system.

Combining CBD with nanotechnology may enhance its efficacy when used alongside traditional chemotherapy.

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive phytocannabinoid
extracted
from Cannabis sativa, has emerged as
a compound of considerable therapeutic interest across numerous medical
disciplines, including pain management, anti-inflammatory therapy,
and oncology. This review critically examines the potential of CBD
in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), one of the most
aggressive and treatment-resistant primary brain tumors. Particular
emphasis is placed on the molecular mechanisms underlying CBD’s
antitumor activity, including the modulation of key signaling pathways,
inhibition of tumor proliferation, and enhancement of chemosensitivity.
Furthermore, the review highlights the increasing role of nanotechnology
in overcoming the intrinsic pharmacokinetic limitations of CBD, particularly
its low oral bioavailability, which presents a significant challenge
to its clinical application. Advanced nanocarrier platforms, including
nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, nanoparticle-based transdermal systems,
nanocapsules, and liposomes, have shown promise in optimizing CBD
delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). Notably, the integration
of CBD into lipid-based drug delivery systems (LBDDS) is highlighted
as a particularly promising strategy to potentiate its therapeutic
efficacy. This approach enhances bioavailability and may amplify synergistic
effects when combined with conventional chemotherapeutics or targeted
agents. Overall, the synergistic use of nanotechnological approaches
and CBD-based therapies may open new avenues for research, offering
the potential to significantly advance treatment efficacy in glioblastoma
and other diseases.

Figures