From the Research
Ivermectin is not currently recommended as a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer, and patients should exercise caution when considering unproven treatments. While some laboratory studies, such as the one published in 2022 1, have suggested that ivermectin might have anti-cancer properties by inhibiting certain cellular pathways, there is insufficient clinical evidence to support its use in treating pancreatic cancer in humans. The current standard treatments for pancreatic cancer include:
- Surgery (when possible)
- Chemotherapy regimens such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapies based on specific genetic mutations
Patients with pancreatic cancer should work with oncologists who specialize in this disease to develop appropriate treatment plans. The interest in ivermectin for cancer treatment stems from laboratory research showing it may affect the PAK1 signaling pathway and induce cell death in some cancer cells, but these findings have not translated to proven clinical benefits, as noted in recent reviews 2, 3, 4, 5. Anyone with pancreatic cancer should discuss all treatment options, including clinical trials of new therapies, with their healthcare providers rather than pursuing alternative treatments without medical supervision.