Is ivermectin (antiparasitic medication) effective as a primary treatment for cancer?

Ivermectin is Not Effective as a Primary Treatment for Cancer

Ivermectin should not be used as a primary treatment for cancer as there is no clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for this indication, and patients should be directed toward established cancer therapies with proven benefits for mortality, morbidity, and quality of life outcomes. 1

Current Evidence on Ivermectin for Cancer Treatment

FDA-Approved Indications

• Ivermectin is only FDA-approved for treating parasitic conditions such as:
  • Strongyloidiasis (single oral dose of 200 mcg/kg)
  • Onchocerciasis/river blindness (single oral dose of 150 mcg/kg annually)
  • Off-label use for crusted scabies and head lice 1

Preclinical vs. Clinical Evidence

• While preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) suggest potential anticancer effects, there is a critical translational gap:
  • Laboratory studies show ivermectin may inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis 2, 3
  • Proposed mechanisms include effects on MDR protein, Akt/mTOR pathway, and WNT-TCF pathways 3
  • However, no large-scale randomized controlled trials have confirmed therapeutic benefits in humans 2

Risk-Benefit Assessment

• Risks of using ivermectin for cancer:
  • Diversion from proven cancer therapies with established efficacy
  • Potential adverse effects including edema, rash, headache, and ocular complaints 1
  • Risk of severe systemic postural hypotension and encephalopathy at higher doses 1
  • Interactions with other medications through P-glycoprotein inhibition 1

Clinical Guidance for Healthcare Providers

Patient Communication

• When patients inquire about ivermectin for cancer:
  1. Acknowledge their interest in alternative approaches
  2. Clearly explain the lack of clinical evidence supporting ivermectin for cancer treatment
  3. Emphasize the importance of evidence-based cancer therapies
  4. Discuss the risks of delaying proven treatments

Addressing Self-Medication

• Be aware that some patients may self-medicate with ivermectin:
  • A study in Ecuador found 19% of cancer patients were taking ivermectin alongside conventional treatments 4
  • Social media misinformation may drive inappropriate use 2
  • Patients in resource-limited settings may be particularly vulnerable to seeking unproven alternatives 2

Research Context

• While some researchers advocate for clinical trials based on preclinical data 5, healthcare providers should:
  • Distinguish between research potential and current clinical practice
  • Encourage patient participation in properly designed clinical trials if interested in investigational approaches 1
  • Not recommend off-label use outside of clinical trials

Conclusion

The current body of evidence does not support the use of ivermectin as a cancer treatment. Despite some promising preclinical data, the absence of clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and safety means that ivermectin should not be recommended for cancer treatment. Healthcare providers should guide patients toward established cancer therapies with proven benefits while supporting continued research through proper clinical trials.