The Role of Cannabinoid Receptors Subtype 2 inCancer A Promising Therapeutical Target

The role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in cancer has been recently explored. ECS is a complex system comprising the two canonical receptor subtypes: CB1R, mostly present in the central nervous system, and CB2R, predominantly found in the immune system and overexpressed in different pathological states. CB2R activation has been shown to modulate the immune system, reducing inflammatory responses and promoting immune homeostasis. It was observed that, in several cancers, CB2R activation leads to the inhibition of proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis, through different signaling pathways. CB2R agonists may be considered promising anticancer agents thanks to their ability to reduce tumor growth and progression. In this chapter, we report the CB2R-induced mechanisms investigated in different types of cancers.