Evaluation of paclitaxel-induced cognitive deficits in a 4T-1 murine mammary carcinoma model and possible protective effect of concomitant cannabidiol treatment

• Grant number: 19/26351-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2020
• End date: January 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Sabrina Francesca de Souza Lisboa
• Grantee: Yurie Sato
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/24304-0 - New perspectives in the use of drugs that modify atypical neurotransmitters in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, AP.TEM

Abstract

Cognitive deficit is a highly prevalent behavioral comorbidity in cancer patients. The inflammatory process underlying tumor development, in addition to influencing all stages of carcinogenesis, may contribute to the occurrence of cognitive impairment. Besides that, chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel (PCX), are agent that may favor behavioral comorbidities caused by its neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects. In this scenario, cannabidiol (CBD) may be an alternative or an adjuvant agent to chemotherapy, as some publications in the literature suggest that cannabinoids have antineoplastic, antidepressant and anxiolytic activity, as well as attenuating cognitive dysfunction. Based on that, using the murine mammary carcinoma model, we will study if the association of CBD with PCX treatment is able to attenuate the possible cognitive changes induced by PCX, maintaining or improving the antineoplastic activity of PCX. This study contributes to a better understanding of those involved in the cognitive impairment of cancer patients, as well as to therapeutic approaches that do not exert antineoplastic activity, but improve the quality of life and survival of cancer patients.