Ivermectin for Cancer Treatment: Protocols and Evidence (2026 Update)

By Editorial Team
Ivermectin is a drug primarily used to treat parasitic infections, and it has attracted research interest for its potential biological effects in cancer models, particularly within integrative and experimental treatment contexts. However, current mainstream oncology guidelines do not support ivermectin as a standard or evidence-based treatment for cancer, especially as a substitute for established therapies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Access to modern cancer care also remains uneven globally. Advanced diagnostic testing, molecular profiling, and novel therapies are often more accessible in high-income healthcare systems or through comprehensive insurance coverage. In contrast, patients in lower-resource or impoverished settings may face significant barriers to timely diagnosis and access to cutting-edge treatments.

In this context, repurposed drugs—including ivermectin—are sometimes discussed in research and public discourse due to their low cost and wide availability. While these agents are not validated substitutes for standard cancer therapies, the broader discussion highlights ongoing global disparities in cancer care and the need for more affordable treatment options that can be evaluated through rigorous clinical research. Popularized by figures like Dr. William Makis, these repurposed drug 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 definition.

Protocol Components (updated based on the ivermectin and mebendazole based protocol published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine (2024):
  • Ivermectin (24 mg, 6 days a week) or in the case of severe aggressive cancers up to 1mg/kg/day. (medical supervision required)
  • Mebendazole (Dose of 250 - 500 mg/day) or Fenbendazole, commonly taken at 300 mg for six days a week, with doses increasing to up to 1 gram/day in cases of aggressive cancers. (medical supervision required)
  • Vitamin D (62.5 mcg [2500 IU] seven days a week).
  • Bio-Available Curcumin (600 mg per day, 7 days a week). 
  • Enhanced absorption Berberine (500 mg per day) to starve your cancer of sugar.
Important Notes: 
  • Dosing, especially high doses (e.g., 1 mg/kg/day), should be supervised by a healthcare provider due to potential risks and lack of regulatory approval for cancer treatment.
  • Please note that this protocol now includes the vital Vitamin D addition, with the one day off for the fenbendazole administration. This protocol represents the most comprehensive and cutting edge repurposed drug and vitamin treatment approach to date.
  • Vitamin E: Removed from the protocol (Joe Tippens, July 22, 2020) due to interactions (e.g., with blood thinners).
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations: 
  • A 2026 study (American Association for Cancer Research), linked Ultra-Processed Foods to Reduced Survival after Cancer. Sugar, starch, saturated fat packed into ultra-processed food not only associated with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, it also worsens cancer prognosis.
  • Another 2026 study published in The BMJ examined how everyday exposure to food preservatives influences cancer risk. The findings were clear — people who consumed more preservatives had higher rates of overall cancer and breast cancer. The findings support recommendations for consumers to favour freshly made, minimally processed foods.
  • Another 2026 findings published in Nature Communications, insulin resistance has been linked to a 25% higher risk of 12 different types of cancer. Insulin resistance is often caused by obesity and its associated chronic inflammation. Both diabetes and obesity are associated with a higher risk of cancer. 
  • Adopt a whole-food diet and avoid ultra-processed foods, as recommended by the BMJ 2024 guidelines. 
  • Eliminate sugar consumption as supported by the BMJ 2023 umbrella review, which recommends reducing free and added sugars to below 25 g/day and limiting sugar-sweetened beverages to less than one serving per week to reduce adverse health effects. 
  • Additionally, prioritise adequate sleep and effective stress management to support overall health.
  • Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity, as tolerated, to support overall health.

How Ivermectin Works Against Cancer Cells: Scientific Basis and Mechanisms of Action

Key Studies:



2025 - 2026 Case Reports: Ivermectin, Fenbendazole and Mebendazole for Cancer (A case series of more than 700 case reports)

  • NCT05318469: Phase II with immunotherapy for breast cancer (recruiting). 
  • NCT07487805: Ivermectin Combined With Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Cancer (ICONIC)
  • NCT02366884: Metabolic therapy including ivermectin for advanced cancers (completed). 

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

Ivermectin and Cancer Types

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

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

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

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

OVARIAN CANCER - (2023 Jawad et al) - Ivermectin augments the anti-cancer activity of pitavastatin in ovarian cancer cells

PROSTATE CANCER - (2022 Lu et al) - Integrated analysis reveals FOXA1 and Ku70/Ku80 as targets of ivermectin in prostate cancer

COLON CANCER - (2022, Alghamdi et al) - Efficacy of ivermectin against colon cancer induced by dimethylhydrazine in male wistar rats

PANCREATIC CANCER - (2022 Lee et al) - Ivermectin and gemcitabine combination treatment induces apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells via mitochondrial dysfunction

MELANOMA - (2022 Zhang et al) - Drug repurposing of ivermectin abrogates neutrophil extracellular traps and prevents melanoma metastasis

CERVICAL CANCER - (2022, Qabbus et al) - Ivermectin-induced cell death of cervical cancer cells in vitro a consequence of precipitate formation in culture media

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA - (2022 Lu et al) - Ivermectin synergizes sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting multiple oncogenic pathways

OSTEOSARCOMA - (2022 Hu et al) - Repurposing Ivermectin to augment chemotherapy’s efficacy in osteosarcoma

GASTRIC CANCER - (2021 Rabben et al) - Computational drug repositioning and experimental validation of ivermectin in treatment of gastric cancer

LEUKEMIA - (2020, de Castro et al) - Continuous high-dose ivermectin appears to be safe in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia and could inform clinical repurposing for COVID-19 infection

ESOPHAGEAL SCC - (2020, Chen et al) - Ivermectin suppresses tumour growth and metastasis through degradation of PAK1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA - (2019 Intyuod et al) - Anti-parasitic drug ivermectin exhibits potent anticancer activity against gemcitabine-resistant cholangiocarcinoma in vitro

BREAST CANCER STEM CELLS - (2018 Dominguez-Gomez et al) - Ivermectin as an inhibitor of cancer stem-like cells.

CML (CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA) - (2018 Wang et al) - Antibiotic ivermectin selectively induces apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

RENAL CELL CARCINOMA - (2017 Zhu et al) - Antibiotic ivermectin preferentially targets renal cancer through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage

GLIOBLASTOMA - (2016 Liu et al) - Anthelmintic drug ivermectin inhibits angiogenesis, growth and survival of glioblastoma through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Related:  Ivermectin, Fenbendazole and Mebendazole for Cancer (A case series of more than 700 case reports).

Ivermectin and Mebendazole Combination

Mebendazole, primarily used to treat parasitic infections, has also gained attention for its potential anti-cancer properties.

Clinical
  • NCT03925662: Phase 2/3. Mebendazole as Adjuvant Treatment for Stage 4 Colon Cancer (recruiting).
  • NCT03628079: Phase II for GI cancers (completed).
  • NCT02644291: Phase I for recurrent pediatric brain tumors (completed).
  • NCT01837862: Phase I for pediatric brain tumors (completed).
Risks and Safety Considerations
Ivermectin’s use for cancer is experimental, and potential risks include:

  • Side Effects: High doses (e.g., 1 mg/kg/day) may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or liver toxicity.
  • Drug Interactions: Ivermectin may interact with blood thinners (e.g., warfarin) or chemotherapy drugs, potentially altering their efficacy. Curcumin’s antioxidant properties could reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation, which rely on oxidative stress.
  • Sourcing Risks: Ivermectin sourced from non-regulated suppliers (e.g., veterinary products) may vary in purity or dosage, posing safety concerns.
Recommendation: Obtain a prescription from a licensed provider and monitor liver function during treatment. Avoid combining with other therapies without oncologist approval.
Controversies and Regulatory Context
Ivermectin’s off-label use has sparked debate, particularly after its promotion for COVID-19:
  • Fenbendazole Scandal (2020): In South Korea, misinformation about fenbendazole’s (another anti-parasitic) anti-cancer effects led to widespread misuse, with some patients abandoning conventional treatments. Similar risks apply to ivermectin, highlighting the need for verified information.
Readers should verify claims through reputable sources like the National Cancer Institute (NCI) or peer-reviewed journals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  1. Is ivermectin safe for cancer treatment?
    • Ivermectin is not FDA-approved for cancer and is experimental. Early studies suggest tolerability at low doses, but high doses may cause side effects like nausea or liver damage. Consult a doctor before use.
  2. Can I combine ivermectin with chemotherapy?
    • Ivermectin and supplements like curcumin may interact with chemotherapy. Discuss with an oncologist to avoid reducing treatment efficacy. In 2020 (Juarez et al) - Ivermectin was found to be synergistic with docetaxel, cyclophosphamide and tamoxifen. 
    • A 2022 South Korean study demonstrated that combining ivermectin with gemcitabine, a standard chemotherapy drug, resulted in greater tumor suppression compared to gemcitabine alone. In vivo, ivermectin alone is more effective than standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine) alone at reducing tumor weight and volume in pancreatic cancer (Lee, et al., 2022).  In vivo models showed significant tumor growth reduction, suggesting that ivermectin may exert synergistic effects in chemotherapy (Lee, et al., 2022).
  1. Can I Combine ivermectin with immunotherapy?
    • Preclinical studies show ivermectin converts immunologically “cold” tumors to “hot,” enhancing T-cell infiltration and immunotherapy responsiveness (Nature 2021)
  2. How do I source ivermectin safely?
    • Obtain a prescription from a licensed provider. Avoid unregulated sources (e.g., veterinary products) due to risks of contamination or incorrect dosing.
  3. Are there clinical trials for ivermectin in cancer?
  1. Are there case reports on ivermectin in human cancer?
Resources and Next Steps
To explore ivermectin’s role in cancer treatment:

  • Consult a Healthcare Provider: Work with an oncologist or integrative medicine specialist to assess risks and benefits.
  • Access Reputable Information:
    • National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov): Information on off-label drug use and cancer research.
    • ClinicalTrials.gov: Updates on ivermectin trials.
  • Join Support Groups: Engage with verified communities on platforms like X or cancer forums, but cross-check information with medical professionals.
Conclusion
Ivermectin’s potential in cancer treatment is an area of growing interest, supported by preclinical studies and anecdotal reports. However, its efficacy remains unproven without large-scale human trials, and its use carries risks, including side effects and drug interactions. While Dr. Makis’ protocols offer a framework for exploration, patients should prioritize evidence-based treatments and consult healthcare providers. By staying informed through reputable sources, readers can navigate this experimental approach responsibly.


Disclaimers:
  • This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ivermectin is not approved by the FDA for cancer treatment, and its use in this context is experimental. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially if undergoing conventional cancer therapies.
  • Our aim here isn't to replace your doctors' advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. Do take note that cancer is a continuous struggle between the immune system and the cancer cells. Cancer treatments are meant to assist the immune system in this battle.
  • Cancer treatment should be part of a multi-modal approach in order to provide the best possible outcome. Diet and lifestyle changes are meant to run alongside conventional treatment. They are complementary, not alternative. 
  • Cancer care is a team effort with the patient at the centre. Care should be supervised and coordinated by a primary healthcare provider. Patients with cancer should consult with their regular oncologist as well as an integrative provider/oncologist, in addition to their primary care provider and the supporting nurses, dieticians and other allied healthcare professionals.
  • While the term 'alternative' might imply opposition to conventional oncology, we prefer 'complementary,' or 'integrated'. These terms better reflect the role of these strategies as part of a personalized value-added menu of strategies, ensuring the most effective and safe solutions for patients.
  • Integrating a repurposed drug doesn't mean rejecting modern medicine — It enhances it and offers a more comprehensive approach to wellness and healing and offer more options for the impoverished communities. By combining conventional cancer management with root-cause resolution, this model creates a path to sustained recovery and resilience to a greater number of patients. 

References: 

Read More: This article is part of the Winning the War on Cancer series.

Like and Follow us for more updates on X/Twitter: One Day MD on X.com.




Ivermectin and mebendazole, both approved for human use, are now available in the U.S.

Researched and approved by Dr. Peter McCullough.
  • Prescribed by licensed medical professionals
  • Compounded and dispensed by a licensed US-based pharmacy
  • Approved for human use
Where to buy Ivermectin and Mebendazole Formula: Available on The Wellness Company's website. Here is the link: Ivermectin and Mebendazole.

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