Examination of the Effects of Cannabidiol on Canine Neoplastic Cell Apoptosis/Autophagy and Potential for Chemotherapy Resistance or Sensitivity

Currently the use of cannabidiol (CBD) rich extracts for canine oncology patients is common, yet there is no data in canine oncology regarding the effects of CBD on canine cancer cells. Oncologists are wary of CBD use in their patients due to a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of CBD during chemotherapy.

Initial studies on cytotoxicity by the research team show that CBD has cytotoxic activity on a variety of canine cancer cell lines at modest concentrations in the laboratory. These effects cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, within a very short time frame, suggesting a discrete mechanism.

The objective of this study is two-fold; 1) to determine if co-treatment of cancer cells with a common chemotherapeutic (doxorubicin) and CBD at varying concentrations affects chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity, and 2) to examine the molecular framework of the cell death response looking at the most commonly implicated pathways targeted in canine cancer treatment, including mechanisms of cell signaling and autophagy (removal of damaged cells).

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 02643-A

RESEARCHERS

Joesph J. Wakshlag, DVM, PhD; University of Florida
Amount: $2,500