Cancer Advisor

Abstract A 2026 study published in JAMA Network Open has reignited debate over the use of ivermectin and benzimidazole drugs—including fenbendazole and mebendazole—among cancer patients. The study analyzed approximately 68.4 million patient records and documented a substantial increase in prescriptions following a widely viewed discussion on The Joe Rogan Experience featuring actor Mel Gibson. While supporters view the publication as validation that these drugs are being increasingly used in real-world cancer settings, critics emphasize that the study evaluated prescribing behavior rather than clinical outcomes. This distinction is critical. The study did not assess tumor response, progression-free survival, overall survival, or quality-of-life outcomes. This article examines what the study found, what it did not find, and why the publication has become a focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding drug repurposing in oncology. Introduction A 2026 study published in JAMA Network Ope...

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most formidable health challenges globally. While traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted radiation have saved countless lives, advanced or metastatic cases can be incredibly stubborn to treat. This is particularly true for the over 80% of patients whose tumors are classified as "microsatellite stable" (MSS)—meaning they are "immune-cold" and practically invisible to modern breakthrough immunotherapies. Quick Summary: What is Oncolytic Virotherapy? Oncolytic Virotherapy (OV) is a cutting-edge cancer treatment that uses naturally occurring or genetically modified "good viruses" to selectively target, infect, and burst open cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched. This process exposes hidden tumor markers, effectively turning "immune-cold" tumors "hot" and training the body’s own immune system to hunt down and destroy colorectal cancer. The Big ...

Researchers in Australia have discovered that melittin, the main active component of honeybee venom, can rapidly destroy aggressive breast cancer cells in laboratory studies. The findings, published in Nature's journal  npj Precision Oncology , have generated worldwide interest because melittin appeared capable of killing difficult-to-treat breast cancer cells while causing comparatively less damage to normal cells. Although the research remains in the preclinical stage and human clinical trials have not yet been completed, the study highlights the growing potential of naturally derived compounds in oncology research. Key Takeaways Honeybee venom contains melittin, a biologically active peptide with anticancer properties. Laboratory studies showed rapid destruction of triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Melittin disrupted cancer cell membranes and blocked growth-promoting signaling pathways. Synthetic melittin produced similar results, reducing the nee...

Last revised: June 2026 Integrative Oncology · Protocol Review A comprehensive synthesis of Dr Makis's clinical dosing regimens, benzimidazole combination strategies, the 2026 Hulscher observational cohort, pharmacokinetic rationale, safety monitoring requirements, and anonymised patient outcome data — presented with evidence grading. OneDayMD Editorial Team  |  Medically reviewed and updated  |  About Us Ivermectin combined with benzimidazoles (fenbendazole, mebendazole) represents an emerging area of repurposed oncology pharmacology. All protocols require physician supervision. Abstract Background: Dr William Makis MD (McGill Medicine; 110+ peer-reviewed publications) has treated cancer patients using repurposed antiparasitic agents since 2023, publicly documenting protocols and outcomes via Substack and X (@MakisMD). His approach centres on high-dos...

Abstract (e23175) Background: Patient interest in ivermectin has increased over time, initially as potential treatment for COVID-19 and currently for purported anti-cancer effects. Scarcity of evidence-based medicine has limited translation to clinical practice, however the growing public dialogue has led providers to anecdotally note increased patient off-label use. This study sought to characterize ivermectin use among patients seen at a large, academic cancer center.  Methods: All patients seen at a tertiary referral center from 2016-2025 with an active medication reconciliation were included. Foundry (an AI-powered analytic platform by Palantir) was used to query the electronic health record to identify patients with oral ivermectin (brand name stromectol) documented on their medication list (topicals were excluded). Descriptive statistics categorized patient characteristics; time trends were assessed by linear regression.  Results: A total of 2,187 unique patients were id...

Executive Summary Background: Repurposed antiparasitic agents—ivermectin (IVM), fenbendazole (FBZ), and mebendazole (MBZ)—have generated public interest as potential adjunctive therapies in advanced malignancies, including stage IV prostate cancer. This narrative review analyzes 37 publicly reported anecdotal cases compiled in a 2025 Substack article (updated 2026) primarily sourced from Dr. William Makis’ X posts. Methods: Cases were extracted from the source article, which organizes 22 core cases into drug-focused tables and lists 15 additional testimonials. Data abstraction focused on patient demographics, disease characteristics, treatment regimens, prior therapies, adjuncts, PSA kinetics, imaging outcomes, and clinical ...