Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common and challenging cancers to treat, especially when tumors develop resistance to targeted therapies. In this study, researchers explored whether cannabidiol (CBD) could improve the effectiveness of a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, a type of targeted cancer therapy. Using laboratory models of colorectal cancer cells, scientists evaluated how CBD and the FGFR inhibitor worked both individually and in combination.

The results showed that while both CBD and the FGFR inhibitor independently reduced cancer cell growth, their combination produced a stronger, synergistic effect, significantly increasing cancer cell death. Researchers found that this enhanced effect was linked to activation of cellular stress pathways—particularly endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress—which plays a key role in triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death). This suggests that CBD may help sensitize cancer cells to targeted therapies, potentially overcoming resistance and improving treatment outcomes.

Overall, the study highlights CBD’s potential as a complementary agent in cancer research, particularly when used alongside existing targeted treatments. However, the findings are based on preclinical (lab-based) models, and the authors emphasize that further studies—including clinical trials in humans—are needed to determine safety, dosing, and real-world effectiveness.

Source:
Ju Y, et al. Synergistic Anticancer Effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor and Cannabidiol in Colorectal Cancer. National Library of Medicine (NIH):
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12389608/