Fenbendazole and Cancer: What Does the Latest Research Say?

By Editorial Team
Fenbendazole, traditionally an anthelmintic drug used to treat parasitic infections in animals, has recently gained attention for its potential anticancer properties. While not yet approved for cancer treatment in humans, emerging preclinical studies reveal promising mechanisms by which fenbendazole may inhibit tumor growth and overcome drug resistance.

Promising Anti-Cancer Mechanisms of Fenbendazole

Research shows fenbendazole exerts anticancer effects primarily by disrupting cancer cell metabolism and division:

  • Inhibition of Glycolysis and Glucose Uptake: Cancer cells rely heavily on glycolysis (the Warburg effect) for energy, even in oxygen-rich environments. Fenbendazole blocks glucose transporters such as GLUT1 and inhibits hexokinase II (HKII), key proteins in glucose metabolism. This starves cancer cells of energy, reducing lactate production that otherwise promotes tumor progression and drug resistance14.

  • Activation of Tumor Suppressor p53: Fenbendazole enhances the activity of p53, a protein that regulates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. This activation leads to mitochondrial injury and triggers programmed cancer cell death via caspase pathways14.

  • Microtubule Destabilization and Cell Cycle Arrest: Fenbendazole disrupts microtubule polymerization, essential for cell division, causing arrest in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. This prevents cancer cells from proliferating and induces apoptosis, as demonstrated in colorectal cancer cells and patient-derived tumor organoids234.

  • Multi-Modal Anticancer Effects: Beyond glycolysis inhibition and cell cycle arrest, fenbendazole induces necrosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis in cancer cells, attacking tumors through multiple pathways and potentially reducing the likelihood of resistance development14.

Evidence from Preclinical Studies

  • In Vitro and Animal Models: Numerous laboratory studies have demonstrated fenbendazole’s ability to inhibit tumor growth in various cancer types, including colorectal, cervical, pancreatic, and drug-resistant cancers. Oral fenbendazole reduced tumor size and grade in mouse models, supporting its potential efficacy12367.

  • Overcoming Drug Resistance: Fenbendazole showed effectiveness against cancer cells resistant to common chemotherapies like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), paclitaxel, and docetaxel, making it a candidate for combination therapies or treatment of refractory cancers13.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite encouraging results, fenbendazole faces significant hurdles before clinical adoption:

  • Poor Water Solubility and Bioavailability: Fenbendazole’s low solubility limits its absorption and systemic availability, reducing therapeutic levels in tumors. Research is ongoing to improve drug formulations, such as nanoparticle delivery systems, to enhance efficacy13.

  • Lack of Clinical Trials: To date, there are no large-scale, peer-reviewed clinical trials validating fenbendazole’s safety and effectiveness as a cancer treatment in humans. Most evidence remains preclinical or anecdotal148.

  • Safety Profile: Fenbendazole is generally considered safe in animals with minimal toxicity. However, its effects in humans, especially at doses required for anticancer activity, need thorough evaluation1.

Public Interest and Anecdotal Reports

The story of Joe Tippens, who reportedly used fenbendazole alongside immunotherapy for lung cancer, has popularized fenbendazole in patient communities. While his case is inspiring, medical experts caution that his remission is more likely attributable to FDA-approved therapies rather than fenbendazole alone4.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Fenbendazole represents a compelling example of drug repurposing in oncology, with multiple studies highlighting its ability to target cancer metabolism, induce apoptosis, and overcome drug resistance. However, the transition from laboratory findings to clinical practice requires:

  • Rigorous clinical trials to establish safety, dosing, and efficacy in humans.

  • Development of improved formulations to enhance bioavailability.

  • Exploration of combination therapies to maximize anticancer effects while minimizing toxicity.

Given its affordability, oral administration, and multi-targeted mechanisms, fenbendazole could become a valuable adjunct in cancer treatment pending further research. Until then, patients should consult healthcare professionals and avoid self-medicating with fenbendazole outside clinical settings.

References:

  • 1 Oral Fenbendazole for Cancer Therapy in Humans and Animals, Int J Oncol, 2024

  • 2 Fenbendazole induces cell cycle arrest in colorectal cancer cells, AACR 2022

  • 3 Anti-cancer effect of fenbendazole-incorporated nanoparticles, J Gynecol Oncol, 2023

  • 4 Fenbendazole for Cancer – An In Depth Look For 2025, Trinova Health

  • 6 Fenbendazole Exhibits Antitumor Activity Against Cervical Cancer, MDPI, 2025

  • 7 Fenbendazole for Pancreatic Cancer: What Research Shows, Healthline

  • 8 Separating fact from fiction: repurposed drugs in cancer treatment, Anticancer Fund

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