Cannabis may help slow cancer growth

New research has found that cannabis may be able to help slow the growth of some cancerous tumours.

Israeli scientists have found that cannabis can help slow the growth of some cancerous tumours, according to the preliminary results of new research.

Already known for its therapeutic effects on several diseases, researchers at the Technion Institute in Haifa decided to consider whether the plant, in all its forms, could have counteractive properties as well, Haaretz reported on Thursday.

Initial findings show potential for effectiveness in brain tumours and breast cancer, while scientists are still investigating other types.

Research began a year ago under the direction of Professor Dedi Meiri, Faculty of Biology, and focuses on the cytoskeleton and cell division processes in both healthy and cancerous cells.

Early readings indicate that cannabis activates a sort of self-destruct mechanism in cancerous brain cells, although Meiri was clear that it was too early to draw any definitive conclusions.


Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world