January 21, 2026 | Carol Alencar | Sechat

https://sechat.com.br/noticia/cancer-de-bexiga-trabalho-cientifico-investiga-potencial-anticancer-de-compostos-da-cannabis 

Study analyzed Cannabis sativa extracts rich in CBC and THC and observed cytotoxic effects on human cells and tissues of urothelial carcinoma

Researchers identified that Cannabis sativa extracts with high levels of cannabichromene (CBC) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) demonstrated activity against bladder cancer cells. In laboratory tests, the compounds reduced the viability of tumor cells, inhibited their ability to migrate, and induced cell death, including in human tissue samples. 

The results are part of a study published in the Asian Journal of Urology, which evaluated the anticancer potential of three commercial strains of the plant—PARIS, Dairy Queen (DQ), and Super Cannabidiol (sCBD)—in models of urothelial carcinoma, the most common type of the disease. 

Before the trials, the researchers mapped the composition of the extracts using analytical techniques to identify the phytocannabinoids present in each strain and then analyzed the effects of these substances on tumor cell survival over time.

The results showed that all strains tested reduced the viability of bladder cancer cells. The DQ and sCBD strains showed the most significant effects after 48 hours of exposure, indicating consistent cytotoxic action. The PARIS strain also showed a significant reduction in cell survival, although with a slightly lower response.

In addition, extracts from the DQ and sCBD strains reduced tumor cell migration, a process associated with disease progression, and interfered with the cell cycle, limiting the ability of these cells to multiply.

Results were also observed in human tissues

To further the analysis, the study included tests on human tumor tissue cultures obtained from bladder cancer patients. In these samples, cannabis sativa extracts induced cell death and activated genes linked to apoptosis, a natural mechanism by which the body eliminates damaged or diseased cells.

According to the authors, the data obtained from both laboratory-grown cells and human tissues indicate that cannabis sativa strains rich in CBC and THC have significant activity against urothelial carcinoma. The researchers point out that the results broaden the understanding of the therapeutic potential of these compounds and may contribute to the development of future preclinical and clinical research aimed at treating bladder cancer.