From the Guidelines
Ivermectin has not been proven effective for treating any type of cancer in humans. Despite some preliminary laboratory studies suggesting potential anti-cancer properties in cell cultures, there are currently no completed clinical trials demonstrating that ivermectin is an effective cancer treatment 1. The drug is primarily approved for treating parasitic infections such as river blindness, strongyloidiasis, and scabies. Any anti-cancer effects observed in laboratory settings would require significantly higher doses than what is considered safe in humans.
Some studies have investigated the use of ivermectin in combination with other treatments for certain types of cancer, but these studies are limited and have not shown conclusive evidence of its effectiveness as a cancer treatment. For example, a study published in 2021 discussed the use of ivermectin in the context of COVID-19 treatment, but did not provide evidence for its use in cancer treatment 1. Another study from 2019 discussed the challenges of onchocerciasis elimination in Africa, but did not mention the use of ivermectin in cancer treatment 1.
Cancer patients should rely on established treatments that have been proven effective through rigorous clinical trials, such as:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapies
Anyone with cancer should consult with qualified oncologists to develop an appropriate treatment plan based on their specific cancer type, stage, and overall health condition. Self-medicating with ivermectin for cancer treatment could delay proper medical care and potentially cause harm.
From the Research
Cancers Responsive to Ivermectin
- Breast cancer: The breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and MCF-7 were found to be sensitive to ivermectin 2
- Ovarian cancer: The ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 was also found to be sensitive to ivermectin 2
- Colorectal cancer: Ivermectin was shown to inhibit tumor metastasis in colorectal cancer cell lines by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin/integrin β1/FAK signaling pathway 3
- Cancer stem cells: Ivermectin was found to reduce cell viability and colony formation capacity in stem cell-enriched populations 2
Mechanisms of Action
- Ivermectin interacts with several targets, including the multidrug resistance protein (MDR), the Akt/mTOR and WNT-TCF pathways, and the purinergic receptors 4
- Ivermectin induces cell cycle arrest at the G0-G1 phase and modulates proteins associated with cell cycle control 2
- Ivermectin inhibits the expressions of migration-related proteins via inhibiting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin/integrin β1/FAK and the downstream signaling cascades 3
Clinical Application
- Ivermectin has been reported to inhibit the proliferation of several tumor cells by regulating multiple signaling pathways, suggesting its potential as an anticancer drug 5
- The antitumor effects of ivermectin are achievable at concentrations that can be clinically reachable based on human pharmacokinetic studies 4
- Further research is needed to evaluate the pharmacological action of ivermectin in different cultures of cancer cells and to determine its potential clinical application as an anticancer drug 6