Some researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard University have discovered a flavonoid cannabis with a "significant therapeutic potential" for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In the study, flavonoid derivative FBL-03G killed tumor cells in 70% of pancreatic cancer mice. Flavonoids, which are non-psychoactive, are naturally present in plants, vegetables and fruits, giving them, among other things, their colors. In cannabis, they represent only 0.14% of the plant.
Pancreatic cancer accounts for only 3% of all cancers in America, but it is one of the most difficult and most deadly forms of the disease, killing more than 92% of people with five years. In the study, the researchers note that the five-year survival rate of patients with pancreatic cancer is 8% and that it often metastasizes to other organs before diagnosis. According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network , it could be the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States next year.
Wilfred Ngwa, PhD, Harvard Assistant Professor and one of the researchers, said:
The "most significant finding" of the study is "that the delivery of flavonoids targeting tumors, derived from cannabis, has allowed the destruction of local and metastatic tumor cells ". He added that this could "dramatically" increase the survival rates of the disease.
According to Ngwa, the scientists also discovered that the FBL-03G was able to attack other cancer cells .
"We were quite surprised that the drug could inhibit the growth of cancer cells in other parts of the body, representing metastases, which were not targeted by treatment," he said. "This suggests that the immune system is also involved, and we are currently studying this mechanism.
Ngwa hopes to complete pre-clinical studies underway by the end of 2020.