A Review of Ivermectin Use in Cancer Patients: Is it Time to Repurpose the Ivermectin in Cancer Treatment?

By Editorial Team
Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica – Drug Research, Vol. 81 No. 6 pp. 913-929, 2024.
DOI: 10.32383/appdr/200570
Received 30 July 2024, Received in revised form 9 December 2024, Accepted 28 January 2025
Published on-line: 9 April 2025.

LAI YUWEN , GUAN XIAOXUE , CHEN XIAN , CHEN JING , ZHANG XIAOLU , and LU MENGMENG* 
School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China 

Abstract: Ivermectin (IVM) is a safe broad-spectrum anthelminthic. Currently, ivermectin is a promising candidate as a repurposable oncological drug. However, IVM has not yet been used in clinical cancer patients. An updated systematic review of the literature is presented here, along with an individual-level patient data (IPD) meta-analysis describing the safety of ivermectin in parasite-infected cancer patients. We identified 2273 publications, and 26 sources described studies that met the minimum criteria for a patient with cancer who was treated with ivermectin. The limited data available suggest that parasite-infected ivermectin cancer patients are safe. However, data from carefully designed clinical trials are still needed to provide further assurance.

Keywords: ivermectin, chemotherapy, antitumor indication, cancer patient, parasite infection.


Additional research exploring the potential of ivermectin in cancer treatment

First-in-the-World Ivermectin, Mebendazole and Fenbendazole Protocol in Cancer has been peer-reviewed and published on Sep.19, 2024. Co-authors include Dr Paul Marik and Dr William Makis.

2024 Fan et al - Ivermectin Inhibits Bladder Cancer Cell Growth and Induces Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage

(2024 Man-Yuan Li et al) - Ivermectin induces non-protective autophagy by downregulating PAK1 and apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells

(2024 Kaur et al) - Ivermectin: A Multifaceted drug with a potential beyond anti-parasitic therapy

(2024 Xing Hu et al) - Ivermectin as a potential therapeutic strategy for glioma

(2024 Yang Song et al) - Gene signatures to therapeutics: Assessing the potential of ivermectin against t(4;14) multiple myeloma

(2024 Goldfarb et al) - Lipid-Restricted Culture Media Reveal Unexpected Cancer Cell Sensitivities

(2024 Newell et al) - Therapeutic targeting of nuclear export and import receptors in cancer and their potential in combination chemotherapy

Oct. 2, 2023 - Ivermectin and Cancer, it has at least 15 anti-cancer mechanisms of action. Can Ivermectin Treat COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Induced Turbo Cancers? - 9 Ivermectin papers reviewed

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ivermectin for Cancer Treatment: Protocols and Evidence (2025 Edition)

By Editorial Team
Image
Ivermectin, a drug primarily used to treat parasitic infections, has gained attention for its potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in alternative treatment protocols. Popularized by figures like Dr. William Makis, these protocols combine ivermectin with supplements and lifestyle changes to target aggressive cancers. This article explores the science, protocols, case reports, risks, and controversies surrounding ivermectin’s use in cancer treatment, providing a balanced guide for readers. What is the Ivermectin Cancer Protocol? Ivermectin cancer protocols, notably those developed by Dr. William Makis, combine ivermectin with supplements like curcumin, vitamin D, and berberine, alongside dietary and lifestyle changes. These protocols are tailored to cancer severity, with higher doses recommended for aggressive cases. The term “turbo cancers,” used by some proponents, refers to rapidly progressing cancers, though it is not a standard medical term and lacks clear scientific defin...
Read more

Fenbendazole vs Ivermectin for Cancer: Differences and Which Is Better?

By Editorial Team
Image
Cancer patients are increasingly inquiring about the use of the anthelmintic drugs Fenbendazole (FenBen) and Ivermectin (IVM) as potential treatments for cancer. Notably, these patients typically fall into two distinct groups, neither of which represents the usual stage 1 or 2 cancer cases where conventional therapies often show promise. The first group consists of older men whose lung or prostate cancer has recurred. Having undergone conventional treatments previously without success, they express skepticism about its effectiveness this time around. The second, larger group comprises younger patients under 40 dealing with aggressive breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or lymphoma—forms of early-onset cancers that appear to lack the typical mutations observed in traditional cases. This article aims to delve into the differences between Fenbendazole and Ivermectin by examining their me...
Read more

Exploring Ivermectin, Mebendazole and Fenbendazole as Aggressive Cancer Treatments: Research, Protocols, and Controversies (2025)

By Editorial Team
Image
Fenbendazole and ivermectin, both antiparasitic drugs that have shown potential in cancer treatment through several mechanisms, such as slowing cancer cell growth and boosting the immune response. Fenbendazole is being studied for its ability to disrupt energy production in cancer cells, effectively hindering their growth. Ivermectin, on the other hand, has been explored in combination with checkpoint inhibitors to boost the immune system's response to tumors—especially in challenging cases like triple-negative breast cancer. Introduction Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an increasing incidence of aggressive and treatment-resistant tumors such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and glioblastoma. Despite significant advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, many patients continue to face limited effective options, highlighting an urgent need for novel, affordable, and accessible treatment strategies....
Read more

Top 10 Cancer Fighting Supplements: Evidence Based Literature Review (2025)

By Editorial Team
Image
Are you overwhelmed by conflicting advice on cancer, diet, and supplements ? You’re not alone. With so many claims out there, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction . Can certain foods lower your cancer risk ? Are some foods increasing it without you realizing? What about vitamin and mineral supplements —do they help prevent cancer, or could they actually increase your risk ? The term " anti-cancer supplements " can be misleading. While some nutrients support the body in cancer prevention or treatment, others may interfere with therapies or even pose risks. This guide compiles over 500 scientific references on cancer, diet, and supplements—helping you navigate the facts with ...
Read more

Fenbendazole and Ivermectin for Cancer: A Case Series of Over 300 Patients (2025)

By Editorial Team
Image
Anecdotal reports and preliminary studies suggest that ivermectin and fenbendazole, both antiparasitic drugs, may have potential anticancer effects when used alongside other treatments.  Many people immediately dismiss the potential of ivermectin and fenbendazole when they learn it is “horse or dog medicine”. That initial reaction is overcome when genuine human success stories are told including the lack of serious side effects. The testimonials you are about to read are from individuals who have bravely shared their experiences in the hope of inspiring and uplifting others. These are raw human accounts, unfiltered by gatekeepers—not peer-reviewed studies—but they offer insights that may be valuable to those searching for options. However, we acknowledge that robust clinical trials are needed to provide more conclusive scientific evidence. Contents: Editor's Preface Introduction Fenbendazole and Ivermectin Case Series Compilation (alphabetical) Breast Cancer Success Stories  (...
Read more

Fenbendazole and the Joe Tippens Cancer Protocol: A Comprehensive Guide (2025)

By Editorial Team
Image
The Joe Tippens Cancer Protocol has gained attention as an alternative approach to cancer treatment, popularized by Joe Tippens, a cancer survivor who credits his recovery to fenbendazole, a veterinary anthelmintic, combined with supplements. This article provides a step-by-step guide to the protocol, explores its scientific basis, shares case reports, and discusses risks and controversies to help readers make informed decisions. What is the Joe Tippens Protocol? The Joe Tippens Protocol involves fenbendazole, a drug typically used to treat parasitic infections in animals, alongside supplements and lifestyle changes. The protocol aims to disrupt cancer cell growth, though it remains experimental and lacks approval for human use by regulatory bodies like the FDA. Below is a summary of the protocol’s components, as updated in 2020: Lifestyle Recommendations : Diet : Eliminate refined sugars and processed foods; focus on whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Exerci...
Read more

Fenbendazole Dosage for Cancer in Humans: Benefits, Risks, and Guidelines (2025)

By Editorial Team
Image
What is Fenbendazole? Fenbendazole is a broad spectrum anti-parasitic used against gastrointestinal parasites including: giardia, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, the tapeworm genus Taenia (but not effective against Dipylidium caninum, a common dog tapeworm), pinworms, aelurostrongylus, paragonimiasis, strongyles, and strongyloides that can be administered to sheep, cattle, horses, fish, dogs, cats, rabbits, most reptiles, freshwater shrimp tanks as planaria and hydra treatments, as well as seals. (2) Fenbendazole, has garnered ⁤attention​ for its potential use ​in‍ humans.‍ The Fenbendazole Cancer Protocol gained rapid interest over the past years following some  fenbendazole advanced cancer success stories . Joe Tippens founded the protocol  after he was told a story about a scientist at Merck Animal Health that had been performing cancer research on mice. The research included injecting different types of cancers into different mice body parts. The scientists discover...
Read more

Fact Check: Can Ivermectin and Fenbendazole Help Treat Cancer?

By Editorial Team
Image
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 ex...
Read more

How One Cancer Survivor Triggered Interest in Repurposed Anti-Parasitic Drugs

By Editorial Team
Image
Joe Tippens never planned to discover a potential remedy that he credits with saving his life and thrust him into the spotlight among notable cancer survivors. The 67-year-old businessman told The Epoch Times he just wanted to beat a type of cancer with an extremely low survival rate. In August 2016, Tippens was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer with a fist-sized tumor. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation five times a week in Houston, the large tumor in his left lung was eliminated. However, Tippens said the treatments came closer to killing him than curing him. When he returned home to Oklahoma after the New Year, he received devastating news. His oncologist told him he had zero chance of surviving for more than a few months. “In January of 2017, my PET scan lit up like a Christmas tree and I had wide metastasis everywhere, including in my neck, bones, pancreas, and liver,” Tippens said. Finding a Lifeline Facing a prognosis of three months to live, Tippens heard an intrig...
Read more

2025 Study: Ivermectin and Balstilimab for Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer - Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Study

By Editorial Team
Image
Authors: Yuan Yuan, Jin Sun Bitar, MaLia Walker, David Lin, January Lee, So Yung Choi, Stephen Shiao, Mourad Tighiouart, Paul H. Frankel, Peter P. Lee Affiliation: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA Abstract e13146  (2025 ASCO Annual Meeting) is a phase 1/2 study of ivermectin in combination with balstilimab after 1-2 prior lines of therapy for triple negative breast cancer Background: Despite recent FDA approval of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), therapeutic options for metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC) remain limited. Preclinical data showed that ivermectin induces robust T cell infiltration into breast tumors and turning “cold” tumors “hot” in mouse model of TNBC. Balstilimab is a fully humanized IgG4 anti-PD-1 agent with proven safety and efficacy in metastatic cervical cancer. The current phase I/II trial is designed to test the safety and efficacy of the combination of ivermectin and balstilimab in patients wit...
Read more