The answer is more ‘Yes’, than ‘no’ or ‘maybe’.
Ivermectin and mebendazole, traditionally used as anti-parasitic agents, have recently garnered attention for their potential anticancer properties. Emerging research suggests that these drugs may inhibit tumor growth and metastasis through various mechanisms, offering hope for novel cancer therapies.
Ivermectin’s Anticancer Potential
Ivermectin, widely recognized for treating parasitic infections, has demonstrated significant antitumor effects in preclinical studies. Research indicates that ivermectin can inhibit proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis across various cancer cell lines. These effects are believed to be mediated through the regulation of multiple signaling pathways involving PAK1 kinase. Additionally, ivermectin promotes programmed cancer cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis, with apoptosis and autophagy mutually regulating each other. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Further studies have shown that ivermectin can induce immunogenic cancer cell death and enhance T cell infiltration into tumors, effectively converting “cold” tumors into “hot” ones. This immunomodulatory effect suggests that ivermectin could improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, in treating cancers like triple-negative breast cancer. (nature.com)
Mebendazole’s Anticancer Properties
Mebendazole, another anti-parasitic drug, has exhibited promising anticancer activity in various studies. Its mechanisms of action include disrupting tubulin formation, inhibiting angiogenesis, promoting apoptosis, and reducing cell stemness. Notably, mebendazole has been shown to inhibit the transcriptional activity of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in breast cancer cell lines and preclinical models. By preventing the induction of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF-1β proteins under hypoxic conditions, mebendazole may counteract the hypoxia-induced phenotype that often leads to chemoresistance. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
In glioblastoma multiforme, mebendazole has demonstrated efficacy by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Preclinical studies have shown that mebendazole can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it a potential candidate for treating brain tumors. (academic.oup.com)
Scientific Rationale for Anticancer Effects
The anticancer potential of ivermectin and mebendazole can be attributed to their ability to interfere with critical cellular processes in cancer cells:
- Microtubule Disruption: Both drugs can bind to tubulin, disrupting microtubule formation, which is essential for cell division. This disruption leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. (ecancer.org)
- Inhibition of Survival Pathways: Ivermectin has been found to modulate various signaling pathways, including those involving PAK1 kinase, thereby inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and survival. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Modulation of Tumor Microenvironment: Mebendazole’s ability to inhibit HIFs under hypoxic conditions can alter the tumor microenvironment, reducing angiogenesis and chemoresistance. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Immune System Activation: Ivermectin’s induction of immunogenic cell death and subsequent T cell infiltration suggests it can enhance the body’s immune response against tumors, especially when used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. (nature.com)
William Makis MD is a leading advocate of using ivermectin and mebendazole for treating cancer. W. Makis MD is a nuclear medicine physician and cancer researcher. He has co-authored a cancer treatment protocol that incorporates the use of anti-parasitic drugs, specifically ivermectin and mebendazole. This protocol, published in September 2024, suggests that these medications may have anticancer properties. You can find more info on Makis’ findings with patients testimonials on his personal page on X (twitter).
As of today, several US states are even discussing making Ivermectin available over the counter: Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Both Ivermectin and Mebendazole are considered to be among the safest drugs on the market.
Conclusion
While the repurposing of ivermectin and mebendazole as anticancer agents is supported by compelling preclinical evidence, further clinical trials are necessary to establish their efficacy and safety in cancer patients. Ongoing research continues to explore their potential roles, either as monotherapies or in combination with existing treatments, to provide more effective options for cancer therapy.