Posted on 06/07/2007 12:39:03 PM PDT by AU72
The active compound in marijuana, THC, can slow the growth of lung tumours and reduce the spread of the cancer in mice, a preliminary study reveals. They hope that drugs mimicking the apparent anti-cancer effects of tetrahydrocanabinol (THC) could one day help treat patients. Ramesh Ganju at the Harvard Cancer Center in Boston, Massachusetts, US, and colleagues deposited human lung cancer cells under the skin of a dozen mice and allowed the tumours to grow in the animals for about two weeks. They then began giving half of these mice daily injections of about 250 micrograms of synthetic THC right next to the tumours for three weeks. Tumours in the control mice averaged about 0.6 grams in weight by the end of the five-week trial. By comparison, those in the mice that received THC weighed just 0.25 grams 60% less. Blood blocker Ganju believes that THC inhibits cancer growth by blocking the formation of blood vessels within tumours. Previous tests on human lung cancer cells in a dish suggested that THC blocked the signalling of a substance known as epidermal growth factor (EGF). Under normal circumstances, EGF may promote blood vessel development, Ganju says. Previous studies have also found that THC can shrink brain tumours. Nevertheless, experts caution people against smoking marijuana. "I wouldn't advise that. It could make the cancer grow faster," says Ganju, noting that THC might encourage the growth of breast cancer. He adds that that "a lot of work needs to be done" before scientists fully understand how THC affects tumours.
(Excerpt) Read more at newscientist.com ...
There is no medical use for MJ. My government told me so.
I wonder about other cancers such as esophageal is this will help?
Along with a bunch of freepers...
you forgot the barf alert
Does this mean that it’s ok for mice to smoke tobacco, too, then?
A little toke will clear up your nausea, don't you know?
The smoker you get...
Was I finished?
Is it cocktail hour already? The article stated the researchers injected synthetic THC next to the tumors. It doesn’t sound like your FReeper handle fits.
Pot is worse than cancer. My government told me so.
Only if you’re illegal.
This is not medical marijuana. It is THC concentrated at the site and KILLS the cells. Shows that THC is NOT beneficial to healthy cells.
great, now the homeless will smoke the mice....
that was funny
hehe
Our dear neighbor, a man who has NEVER smoked in his life, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer several months ago. He’s doing well, thank God. But let us not get carried away with the assumption that being a non-smoker guarantees much of anything.
Man stop bogartin’ that mickey.........
“Shows that THC is NOT beneficial to healthy cells.”
It shows no such thing. What it shows is that in a large dose or concentration it’s not beneficial.
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