From the Guidelines
Ivermectin is not currently recommended for cancer treatment. While some laboratory studies have shown that ivermectin may have anti-cancer properties in cell cultures by affecting certain cellular pathways, there is insufficient clinical evidence from human trials to support its use as a cancer therapy 1. Ivermectin is primarily an anti-parasitic medication approved for treating conditions like river blindness, strongyloidiasis, and scabies. The doses that might theoretically affect cancer cells would likely be much higher than what is considered safe in humans.
Key Considerations
- Cancer treatment should follow established protocols including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies as recommended by oncologists 1.
- Anyone with cancer should work with qualified healthcare providers to develop an evidence-based treatment plan rather than pursuing unproven therapies like ivermectin.
- Self-medicating with ivermectin for cancer could delay effective treatment and potentially cause harm through side effects or drug interactions.
- The current landscape of therapy for advanced cancer is rapidly evolving, and for several cancers, there are now interventions that can dramatically alter the course of illness 1.
- Anticancer therapy should be considered only when it has a reasonable chance of working and providing meaningful clinical benefit 1.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- The choice of cancer treatment regimen should be based on the histologic type of cancer and patient performance status 1.
- Chemotherapy for patients with disseminated disease should be limited to symptomatic patients with a performance status (PS) of 1 to 2 or asymptomatic patients with a PS of 0 and aggressive cancer 1.
- Regimens in addition to those listed in the guidelines can be considered, but should be based on evidence from clinical trials and expert recommendations 1.
From the Research
Ivermectin and Cancer Healing
- Ivermectin has been studied for its potential anticancer effects, with some studies suggesting that it may be effective in inhibiting the growth of certain types of cancer cells 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in 2020 found that ivermectin exhibited antitumor effects in 28 malignant cell lines, with the most sensitive cell lines being breast and ovarian cancer cells 2.
- Another study published in 2021 reviewed the mechanisms by which ivermectin inhibits the development of different cancers and promotes programmed cell death, suggesting that it may be an anticancer drug with great potential 3.
- A 2024 study found that ivermectin inhibited bladder cancer cell growth and induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, making it a potential therapeutic candidate against bladder cancer 4.
- However, a study published in 2023 found that while some patients with cancer used ivermectin as an alternative therapy, there is no scientific knowledge about the application of ivermectin in humans, and its use is not recommended by specialists 5.
Mechanisms of Action
- Ivermectin has been found to inhibit the proliferation of tumorigenic cells through various pathways, including the regulation of multiple signaling pathways and the induction of apoptosis 3, 4.
- It has also been suggested that ivermectin can inhibit the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of the activated B (NF-κB) pathway, which modulates the expression and production of proinflammatory cytokines 6.
Clinical Applications
- While ivermectin has shown promise as an anticancer agent, more research is needed to fully understand its potential clinical applications and to determine its safety and efficacy in humans 2, 3, 4.
- A 2024 review highlighted the multifaceted effects of ivermectin and its potential clinical applications beyond its traditional use as an anthelmintic agent, including its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anticancer effects 6.