Mechanisms Involved in the Therapeutic Effect of Cannabinoid Compounds on Gliomas: A Review with Experimental Approach

Introduction Brain tumors have high morbidity and mortality rates, accounting for 1.4% of all cancers. Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Currently, several therapeutic approaches are used; however, they are associated with side effects that affect patients'quality of life. Therefore, further studies are needed to develop novel therapeutic protocols with a more favorable side effect profile. In this context, cannabinoid compounds may serve as potential alternatives.Objectives This study aimed to review the key enzymatic targets involved in glioma pathophysiology and evaluate the potential interaction of these targets with four cannabinoid derivatives through molecular docking simulations.Methods Molecular docking simulations were performed using four cannabinoid compounds and six molecular targets associated with glioma pathophysiology.Results Encouraging interactions between the selected enzymes and glioma-related targets were observed, suggesting their potential activity through these pathways. In particular, cannabigerol showed promising interactions with epidermal growth factor receptors and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, while Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol showed remarkable interactions with telomerase reverse transcriptase.Conclusion The evaluated compounds exhibited favorable interactions with the analyzed enzymatic targets, thus representing potential candidates for further in vitro and in vivo studies.