Cancer metastasis—the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to other parts of the body—is a major cause of cancer‑related illness and death. One biological process that may play a role in metastasis involves neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), web‑like structures released by immune cells called neutrophils that can trap pathogens but may also interact with cancer cells in ways that promote their movement and survival. This review article explores how cannabinoids, naturally occurring compounds in Cannabis sativa, may influence NET formation and activity, and why that could be relevant to cancer progression.

The research discussed in the article suggests that cannabinoids—such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—can affect immune cell functions, including how neutrophils respond to inflammatory signals. Some cannabinoid interactions appear to modulate inflammatory pathways and reduce excessive immune responses, which may in turn influence the release or activity of NETs. Because NETs have been implicated in helping cancer cells survive in the bloodstream and establish new tumors, modulating NET formation through cannabinoid pathways could theoretically influence metastatic potential.

While this review highlights intriguing mechanisms, the authors make clear that most of the evidence comes from preclinical and laboratory studies, and the specific effects of cannabinoids on NETs in human cancer progression are still not well understood. The article emphasizes the need for more research—including controlled clinical studies—to clarify how cannabinoids might be used safely and effectively in the context of cancer metastasis and immune regulation.

Source

Neutrophil extracellular traps and cannabinoids: potential in cancer metastasis (June 2025)
Available through the National Library of Medicine (NIH): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12209375/