From Biological Activity to Precision Cannabinoid Oncology.

Lee W.; Go S. · Current issues in molecular biology · 2026

**Background & Methods** This is a narrative review article examining the potential role of cannabinoids as anticancer agents and proposing a precision medicine framework for clinical translation. The review synthesizes evidence from preclinical studies on cannabinoid-induced modulation of cancer-related biological pathways, including cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). **Key Findings** • Cannabinoids demonstrate preclinical activity across multiple cancer-associated mechanisms including tumor proliferation inhibition, apoptosis induction, angiogenesis suppression, metabolic modulation, immune regulation, and alteration of tumor microenvironment interactions. • Significant knowledge gaps impede clinical translation: absence of validated predictive biomarkers, undefined patient selection criteria, and insufficient evidence regarding optimal dosing, therapeutic efficacy, and rational combination strategies. • The authors propose a precision cannabinoid oncology framework integrating molecular characterization, tumor classification, biomarker development, combination strategies, and prospective clinical validation to enable molecularly informed patient selection and evidence-based therapy implementation. **Dosage & Administration** Not reported. The review does not discuss specific cannabinoid doses, routes of administration, or treatment schedules, focusing instead on the conceptual and translational aspects of cannabinoid oncology development. **Safety & Adverse Effects** Not reported. The review does not address safety profiles, adverse effects, or tolerability of cannabinoids in the oncology context. No discussion of drug-drug interactions or contraindications is provided. **Evidence Quality** This is a narrative review article representing Level 4 evidence. Major limitations include: (1) review of predominantly preclinical studies with limited clinical data; (2) lack of systematic methodology for literature selection or quality assessment; (3) absence of meta-analysis or quantitative synthesis; (4) recognition by authors that clinical translation evidence is minimal. The review's primary value is conceptual—proposing a framework for future precision medicine approaches rather than providing definitive clinical evidence. The authors explicitly acknowledge the gap between preclinical promise and clinical reality, emphasizing that current understanding remains largely theoretical and requires prospective validation in defined patient populations before clinical implementation can be recommended.

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