The Influence of Cannabinoids on Multiple Myeloma Cells: A Scoping Review

Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the most common hematological malignancies. There is a clear need for research into new treatment options that can improve the life expectancy and quality of life for MM patients; this is particularly salient for those with relapsed/refractory disease. Cannabinoids (CB) have shown potential in treatment regimens for a number of cancers, but little is currently known about their effectiveness against MM. Hence, we conducted a scoping review regarding the usage of CB against MM cells. For our review, searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and OVID Medline. After screening, six articles were eligible for inclusion, all of which were laboratory studies. It was demonstrated that CB decrease MM cell viability, and this was consistently shown to occur alongside the activation of apoptotic pathways in MM cells. These effects were shown to continue to occur in dexamethasone-resistant MM cells. The effects of CB on MM cells were enhanced when used in combination with standard treatments for MM. Critically, these marked decreases in MM cell viability induced by CB did not occur in non-MM cells. Overall, these findings indicate a clear need for future clinical trials of the integration of CB into MM treatment regimens.