From the Guidelines
Ivermectin and mebendazole are not recommended or approved for treating cancer, as there is not enough clinical evidence to support their use as cancer treatments in humans. These medications are primarily used to treat parasitic infections, not cancer. The provided evidence does not support the use of ivermectin and mebendazole for cancer treatment, and the most recent and highest quality studies, such as 1, do not mention these medications as viable options for cancer therapy.
Some key points to consider:
- Cancer requires proper diagnosis and treatment from qualified oncologists, and attempting to use antiparasitic drugs for cancer could delay necessary conventional treatments and potentially cause harm.
- The anti-cancer properties observed in lab studies are preliminary and do not translate directly to human use, and much more research would be needed to determine if these drugs could have any role in cancer therapy.
- Currently, their known mechanisms of action against parasites are not directly applicable to targeting cancer cells in the body.
- If you are concerned about cancer, please consult with a doctor for proper screening, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment options, and do not attempt to self-medicate with ivermectin, mebendazole, or other unproven therapies for cancer.
It is essential to prioritize evidence-based treatments and consult with qualified healthcare professionals for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as stated in 1 and 1. The use of unproven therapies, such as ivermectin and mebendazole, can have severe consequences, including delayed treatment and potential harm, as mentioned in 1 and 1. Therefore, it is crucial to rely on established cancer treatments and guidelines, such as those outlined in 1, 1, and 1, and to avoid using unproven therapies for cancer treatment.
From the Research
Anticancer Properties of Ivermectin and Mebendazole
- Ivermectin has been shown to exhibit antitumor effects in preclinical studies, and its antitumor effects are observable at clinically feasible drug concentrations 2.
- Mebendazole has been repositioned as a promising anti-cancer drug, with activity against various types of cancer, including liver, lung, ovary, prostate, colorectal, breast, head and neck cancers, and melanoma 3, 4.
- Mebendazole has been shown to inhibit tumor progression, induce apoptosis, and prevent metastasis in various cancer models, including breast cancer 5.
Safety of Ivermectin and Mebendazole for Cancer Treatment
- Ivermectin has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in preclinical studies, with no severe adverse effects observed 2.
- Mebendazole is generally safe with few side effects, but liver toxicity and other side reactions may occur with prolonged use or high doses 3, 6.
- A phase 2a clinical study on the safety and efficacy of individualized dosed mebendazole in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer found that mebendazole was safe and well-tolerated, but all patients experienced rapid progressive disease 6.
Efficacy of Ivermectin and Mebendazole in Cancer Treatment
- Ivermectin has been shown to reduce tumor size and weight in tumor-bearing mice, and to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells 2.
- Mebendazole has been shown to reduce tumor growth, prevent metastasis, and improve survival in various cancer models, including breast cancer 4, 5.
- However, a phase 2a clinical study on the safety and efficacy of individualized dosed mebendazole in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer found that mebendazole did not demonstrate significant efficacy in patients with advanced cancer 6.