Ivermectin Dosing in Cancer Studies: Current Evidence
Based on the available evidence, there is no established or FDA-approved dose of ivermectin for cancer treatment, as ivermectin is currently being investigated as a repositioned drug for cancer with doses of 200-600 μg/kg in preclinical studies.
Preclinical Evidence for Ivermectin in Cancer
Dosing in Laboratory Studies
- In preclinical cancer research, ivermectin has been studied at concentrations of approximately 5 μM in cell culture studies 1
- This concentration showed antitumor effects in several cancer cell lines, with breast cancer (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, MCF-7) and ovarian cancer (SKOV-3) being most sensitive
- Prostate cancer cell line DU145 was found to be most resistant to ivermectin treatment 1
Mechanisms of Action in Cancer
- Ivermectin has demonstrated potential anticancer effects through:
- Cell cycle arrest at G0-G1 phase with modulation of cell cycle control proteins 1
- Inhibition of tumor metastasis via suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin/integrin β1/FAK signaling pathway 2
- Synergistic effects when combined with conventional chemotherapeutics like docetaxel, cyclophosphamide, and tamoxifen 1
Human Dosing Considerations
Standard Ivermectin Dosing for Approved Indications
- For FDA-approved indications (onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis), ivermectin is typically administered at 200 μg/kg orally 3
- Pharmacokinetic studies show that:
- Peak plasma concentrations occur approximately 4 hours after dosing
- Plasma half-life is approximately 18 hours following oral administration
- Bioavailability increases 2.5-fold when taken with a high-fat meal 3
Safety of Higher Doses
- Animal studies have investigated higher doses of ivermectin (0.22-170 mg/kg) using special polyelectrolyte formulations 4
- These higher doses showed no apparent damage to intestinal tissues in the animal model, though some delocalization of Myosin-Vb at enterocytes was observed at the highest dose 4
Current Status in Cancer Treatment
Clinical Application
- In Ecuador, a survey found that 19% of cancer patients reported taking ivermectin as an alternative therapy alongside conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy 5
- However, medical specialists do not recommend this use due to lack of scientific evidence and clinical trials 5
Research Limitations
- The anticancer mechanism of ivermectin requires further investigation 5
- No clinical trials have established effective or safe dosing for cancer treatment
- Current evidence is limited to preclinical studies and anecdotal reports
Important Considerations
- Ivermectin is not FDA-approved for cancer treatment
- The doses required for potential anticancer effects may differ significantly from those used for antiparasitic indications
- Self-medication with ivermectin for cancer treatment carries significant risks
- Patients should be advised to participate in clinical trials rather than using ivermectin off-label for cancer
Conclusion
While preclinical studies suggest potential anticancer effects of ivermectin at concentrations around 5 μM in laboratory settings, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend specific dosing for cancer treatment in humans. Any investigation of ivermectin for cancer should be conducted within properly designed clinical trials.