Anil Prasad, PhD

Characterization of Cannabidiol (CBD) as a Novel Therapy for Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B cell lymphoma with a high rate of relapse after currently available treatments. Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for patients who relapse. Recent studies indicate that cannabidiol (CBD), a potent, non-psychotropic component of the plant Cannabis sativa, has anti-neoplastic properties. Dr. Prasad proposes to evaluate CBD as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of MCL. Promising preliminary data in his lab demonstrate that CBD alters the cell cycle of MCL cells and induces cell death. Dr. Prasad and his team will further explore the specific mechanism(s) through which CBD induces anti-MCL effects by analyzing its modulation of apoptotic and oncogenic signaling pathways.