Medical marijuana may stop growth of cancer cells: researchFebruary 13, 2019 - 13:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - New research from Penn State College of Medicine shows medical marijuana may stop the growth of colon cancer cells, ABC reports. According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the U.S. The research looks to change the outcome for patients. "Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer in the United States and it's also the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.," said Wesley Raup-Konsavage, the research project manager. The researchers looked at synthetic derivatives of the compounds found in medical marijuana and how they interacted with cancer cells in test tubes. "Of the 370 compounds, it turns out that 10 were fairly effective against all colon cancer cell lines," said Kent Vrana, chair of the Department of Pharmacology at Penn State College of Medicine. Researchers will next look at making these compounds more potent and effective against cancer cells. "The possibility for medical marijuana is immediate because that can be used now in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," said Vrana. "We just don't know what it's doing. In terms of these specialized chemicals, they probably wouldn't become true drugs for another five to 10 years." While this research was focused mainly on colon cancer cells, it could impact other cancer cells as well. "We have a sense for what works there. We suspect it will work for other things," said Vrana. "We're actually trying it for neuroblastoma right now." The National Institutes of Health helped support the study, which took about a year and a half. Right now in Pennsylvania, there are about 20 qualifying conditions to become a medical marijuana patient, which include cancer, autism, epilepsy, and HIV. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |