Fact Check: Can Ivermectin and Fenbendazole Help Treat Cancer?

By Editorial Team

Ivermectin and fenbendazole, originally developed as antiparasitic drugs, are sparking hope in the fight against cancer, fueled by inspiring stories like those shared by actor Mel Gibson on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he celebrated friends’ remarkable recoveries. While these medications aren’t yet standard cancer treatments, early research is uncovering exciting potential. Scientists are encouraged by promising lab studies and are calling for more clinical trials to confirm their effectiveness and ensure safe use in humans, paving the way for innovative, accessible therapies that could transform lives.

Introduction and Context

According to a January 22, 2025 fact-check article by AFP:

"The anti-parasitic drugs ivermectin and fenbendazole are not currently recommended for cancer, but posts spread across social media touting the medications after actor Mel Gibson claimed on the Joe Rogan Experience that they cured his friends' cases of the disease. Oncology experts said that even if the drugs show promise in trials, more research is needed to establish their efficacy in humans and safe methods of consumption."



The article makes a claim that "ivermectin and fenbendazole are not currently recommended for cancer" and "more research is needed to establish their efficacy in humans".

It's important to acknowledge that preclinical studies and case reports are common starting points in the research process before moving on to larger studies.

"The cure for cancer? It all started with a single case study."

Not all cancer types are the same.

When cancer has progressed to Stage 4—especially in cases of often-incurable cancers listed under the “Palliation Only (Metastatic)” category in the table below, where standard chemotherapy is largely ineffective—repurposed drugs may play a crucial role in making a difference.
Table Courtesy of Dr. Marik and Cancer Care

Scientific Evidence and Research Status

Joe Tippens and Kevin Hennings are popular examples of individuals achieving NED (No Evidence of Disease) with repurposed drug protocols. Tippens, diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer in 2016, claimed recovery using fenbendazole, vitamin E, and CBD oil, sharing his story on his blog, which has garnered significant attention (Joe Tippens Story).

Hennings, with stage 4 colorectal cancer, reported similar success, detailing his journey on his website and podcasts, attributing recovery to ivermectin and fenbendazole (Kevin Hennings Story).

Ivermectin and Cancer


Related: 

Fenbendazole and Cancer

  • (2024 Apr, Rodrigues et al) - Repurposing mebendazole against triple-negative breast cancer CNS metastasis
  • (2024 Feb, Eid et al) - Investigating the Promising Anticancer Activity of Cetuximab and Fenbendazole Combination as Dual CBS and VEGFR-2 Inhibitors and Endowed with Apoptotic Potential
  • (2024 Feb, Park et al) - The microtubule cytoskeleton: A validated target for the development of 2-Aryl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole derivatives as potential anticancer agents
  • (2024 Jan, Matsuo et al) - Parbendazole as a promising drug for inducing differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells with various subtypes
  • (2023, Dec, Iragavarapu-Charyulu et al) - A novel treatment to enhance survival for end stage triple negative breast cancer using repurposed veterinary anthelmintics combined with gut‑supporting/immune enhancing molecules
  • (2023 Nov, Aliabadi et al) - In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of mebendazole in colon cancer: a promising drug repositioning
  • (2023 Nov, Jung et al) - Fenbendazole Exhibits Differential Anticancer Effects In Vitro and In Vivo in Models of Mouse Lymphoma
  • (2023 Sep, Garg et al) - Network pharmacology and molecular docking study-based approach to explore mechanism of benzimidazole-based anthelmintics for the treatment of lung cancer
  • (2023 Jun, Mukherjee et al) - Ketogenic diet as a metabolic vehicle for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of mebendazole and devimistat in preclinical pediatric glioma
  • (2023 Feb, Lee et al) - Benzimidazole and its derivatives as cancer therapeutics: The potential role from traditional to precision medicine

Research Gaps and Future Directions

We acknowledge that double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the current gold standard in medical research. However, N=1 trials, open-label studies, and real-world data offer practical alternatives. While these approaches are less rigorous than RCTs—which are costly and time-consuming—they can still provide valuable insights, particularly for rare or advanced cancers. That said, their limitations, such as the absence of control groups and potential bias, must be carefully considered.

For patients with Stage 4 or aggressive cancers, exploring all available options is crucial given the high-stakes risk-benefit ratio. In such life-and-death situations, patients should have the "right to try."

By leveraging empirical evidence, clinical observations, and objective assessments such as cancer markers and PET scans, doctors can closely monitor both the effectiveness and safety of treatments.

Conclusion and Verdicts

  • Facebook's Verdict: Partly false (source). See below.

  • OneDayMD's Verdict: Partially true with cautious optimism. Be sure to discuss with your trusted healthcare provider and carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
  • Dr John Campbell's Verdict: The consistency of anecdotal outcomes, supported by plausible preclinical mechanisms, positions fenbendazole as a promising candidate for further investigation in oncology. (source 2025)
  • Health and Me Verdict: "As of now, there is no solid evidence that ivermectin can cure or even treat cancer in humans." (source, 2025)
  • Science Feedback's Verdict: Unsupported (source)

Key Takeaway

While ivermectin and fenbendazole are not yet approved as standard cancer treatments, early research has revealed promising potential. Encouraged by compelling lab results, scientists are calling for more clinical trials to validate their effectiveness and ensure safe use in humans—potentially paving the way for innovative, accessible therapies that could change lives. As always, do your own research, consult with a trusted healthcare provider, and make informed decisions based on your individual circumstances.

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