Ivermectin for Cancer Treatment: Protocols and Evidence (2025 Edition)
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.
Protocol Components (based on Dr. Makis’ recommendations, updated 2025):

2025 Morinaga et al - Ivermectin Combined With Recombinant Methioninase (rMETase) Synergistically Eradicates MiaPaCa-2 Pancreatic Cancer Cells.
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
RELATED:
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.

Lifestyle Recommendations:
- Diet: Eliminate refined sugars and processed foods; prioritize vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to limit cancer cell energy sources.
- Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity, as tolerated, to support overall health.
- Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress, which may impact immune function.
Important Note: 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.
Scientific Basis for Ivermectin in Cancer
Key Studies:
2025 Yuan Yuan et al (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) - A phase I/II study evaluating the safety and efficacy of ivermectin in combination with balstilimab in patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer (ASCO 2025)
2025 Yuwen et al - A Review of Ivermectin Use in Cancer Patients: Is it Time to Repurpose the Ivermectin in Cancer Treatment?
2025 Morinaga et al - Ivermectin Combined With Recombinant Methioninase (rMETase) Synergistically Eradicates MiaPaCa-2 Pancreatic Cancer Cells.
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.
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 Cancer Success Stories: Case Series Compilation (More than 90 cases)
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 anti-cancer effects led to widespread misuse, with some patients abandoning conventional treatments. Similar risks apply to ivermectin, highlighting the need for verified information.
- Commercial Bias: Links to vendors like The Wellness Company raise concerns about conflicts of interest. OneDayMD should disclose any affiliations to maintain transparency.
Readers should verify claims through reputable sources like the National Cancer Institute (NCI) or peer-reviewed journals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 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.
- Can I combine ivermectin with chemotherapy?
- Ivermectin and supplements like curcumin may interact with chemotherapy. Discuss with an oncologist to avoid reducing treatment efficacy.
- 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.
- Are there clinical trials for ivermectin in cancer?
- Yes. 2025 Yuan Yuan et al (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) - A phase I/II study evaluating the safety and efficacy of ivermectin in combination with balstilimab in patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer (ASCO 2025).
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,' 'integrated,' or 'holistic.' 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. By combining conventional cancer management with root-cause resolution, this model creates a path to sustained recovery and resilience.
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Ivermectin and mebendazole, both approved for human use, are now available in the U.S.
Researched and approved by Dr. Peter McCullough.
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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