From the Guidelines
No, ivermectin and fenbendazole are not recommended for prophylaxis or treatment of recurrent breast cancer that has spread to blood or bone. These medications are antiparasitic drugs primarily used in veterinary medicine, with ivermectin also having limited approved human uses for specific parasitic infections. There is no reliable clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness against any form of cancer in humans, as stated in the most recent guidelines 1. If you suspect cancer recurrence, you should immediately consult with your oncologist for proper diagnostic testing such as imaging studies, blood tests, and possibly biopsies. Established treatments for recurrent breast cancer may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, radiation, or surgery depending on the specific characteristics of your cancer, as outlined in the guidelines 1. Using unproven treatments like ivermectin or fenbendazole could delay proper medical care and potentially cause harm through side effects or drug interactions. Cancer treatment requires evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific situation by qualified healthcare professionals. The primary goal of treatment for metastatic breast cancer is palliation, with the aim of maintaining or improving quality of life and possibly improving survival, as stated in the guidelines 1. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based treatments and avoid unproven therapies that may cause harm or delay effective treatment. In the context of real-life clinical medicine, it is crucial to prioritize the patient's quality of life, morbidity, and mortality when making treatment decisions, and to rely on the most recent and highest-quality evidence available 1.
From the Research
Ivermectin and Fenbendazole in Prophylaxis Treatment for Breast Cancer Metastasized to Hematologic or Osseous Cancer
- There is limited research directly addressing the use of ivermectin and fenbendazole as prophylaxis treatment for suspected recurrence of breast cancer metastasized to hematologic (blood) or osseous (bone) cancer.
- However, studies have explored the potential of ivermectin in cancer treatment:
- A study published in 2021 found that ivermectin induces immunogenic cancer cell death and robust T cell infiltration into breast tumors, and synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade for treatment of breast cancer 2.
- Another study from 2020 demonstrated that ivermectin exhibits antitumor effects at clinically feasible concentrations, supporting its clinical development as a repositioned cancer drug 3.
- A 2023 study reported on the use of ivermectin as an alternative therapy for cancer treatment in a rural area of Ecuador, with some participants reporting improvements in their health after taking ivermectin 4.
- It is essential to note that these studies do not specifically address the use of ivermectin and fenbendazole as prophylaxis treatment for breast cancer metastasized to hematologic or osseous cancer.
- The current evidence on ivermectin in cancer treatment is mostly preclinical or based on small-scale studies, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks in this context.
- There is no direct evidence on the use of fenbendazole in prophylaxis treatment for breast cancer metastasized to hematologic or osseous cancer.
- A review of current therapeutic strategies for breast cancer highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and consideration of tumor load and molecular markers, but does not mention ivermectin or fenbendazole as potential treatments 5.
- A study on ivermectin for preventing and treating COVID-19 found that the current evidence does not support its use outside of well-designed randomized trials, but this study is not directly relevant to the use of ivermectin in cancer treatment 6.