Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic medicine primarily used to treat gastrointestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms in animals. In recent years, scientific studies have shown that it can also inhibit cancer cells and stop them from growing. It does this by affecting how cells work, like inhibiting glucose uptake or disrupting certain structures inside the cancer cells
Although the research is still limited, some scientists interested in repurposing fenbendazole have turned their attention specifically to its effects on pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of the disease. Recent statistics show only about 10% percent of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive for five years.
Despite the initial effectiveness of certain chemotherapies, pancreatic tumors frequently develop resistance to these treatments. Moreover, newer methods like immunotherapy have struggled to address this challenging disease effectively. All of which has led researchers to turn their attention to Fenbendazole as a possible treatment. And while there is a great need for further studies, early evidence is showing great promise.
How Fenbendazole Fights Cancer: Mechanisms of Action
From what we know so far, fenbendazole is able to kill cancer cells in three different ways:
- By breaking down the microtubules that support the structure of cancer cells, preventing their rapid division and multiplication.
- By disrupting how cancer cells handle sugar, which they need to survive.
- By increasing the activity of a gene called p53, known for fighting cancer. Some cancer patients lack this gene or have a mutated version, allowing cancer cells to grow unchecked.
The cancer cells in pancreatic cancer behave in a very specific way when it comes to getting energy and nutrients for their growth. They use special ways to process glucose, amino acids, and lipids, which helps them grow and spread quickly. Scientists believe that the key to using fenbendazole effectively in treating pancreatic cancer lies in figuring out how the drug targets the behavior of these cancer cells.
Fenbendazole Vs. Other Antiparasitic Drugs in Cancer Treatment
Fenbendazole isn’t the only antiparasitic drug showing promise in fighting pancreatic cancer. Two other drugs – Mebendazole and Ivermectin – are also being studied for their effects on the devastating disease.
Mebendazole is from the same class of medication as Fenbendazole. In early pancreatic cancer models, mebendazole treatment led to reduced inflammation and dysplasia. In more advanced stages, it also lowered tumor size, lessened advanced tumors, and decreased metastasis. In 2021, a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine study used two different mouse models to determine that Mebendazole could slow or stop the growth and spread of both early and late-stage pancreatic cancer.
Ivermectin, on the other hand, belongs to a different class of drugs called Avermectins. As an antiparasitic drug, it works by affecting the nervous system of parasites, causing paralysis and death.
In terms of cancer, ivermectin hinders the growth of cancer cells and their spread to other parts of the body, encourages the natural death of cancer cells, blocks the development of tumor stem cells, and can even overturn resistance to multiple drugs.
In a study at the Yonsei University College of Medicine in South Korea, a first-of-its-kind study on pancreatic cancer, combining Ivermectin with Gemcitabine proved more effective in slowing down the cancer compared to using only Gemcitabine. This combination treatment stopped cancer cells from multiplying by blocking certain cell processes. It also made the cancer cells more likely to self-destruct while affecting their energy production and recycling systems.
In tests on living organisms, the Ivermectin-Gemcitabine mix significantly reduced tumor growth compared to using only Gemcitabine.
Patient Stories: Real-life Impacts of Fenbendazole on Pancreatic Cancer
Though anecdotal evidence is not a replacement for scientific studies, these success stories provide inspiration and hope for those battling the disease. Moreover, they serve as a motivating factor for researchers to continue exploring the potential of these repurposed medicines to their fullest extent.
Coralee S. shares- In August 2022, her family member was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, given a bleak prognosis of 3-6 months without treatment. She began taking Fenbendazole immediately but faced severe illness due to unrelated issues from tainted food. After a challenging start with chemotherapy and a decline in her quality of life, her condition notably improved while taking fenbendazole. Recent scans showed no growth or spreading of the aggressive cancer, and marker numbers dropped significantly, surprising the oncologist. Subsequent updates revealed continued positive progress, with tumor shrinkage and significantly reduced marker numbers, leading to better health and an improved quality of life.
David Owen was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer that had also spread to his liver. Five months after starting the use of Fenbendazole along with some more supplements (similar to Joe Tippens Protocol), four of which were supplemented with chemotherapy as well… David is in remission!
Guidelines for Using Fenbendazole in Cancer Therapy
From what is known so far, Fenbendazole seems to be more effective when integrated into a standard therapeutic protocol as opposed to a stand-alone treatment. It is also advised to keep an eye on liver function while taking the medicine, as Pancreatic Cancer does affect the liver.
Before considering Fenbendazole or any other repurposed medication for cancer treatment, it’s crucial to consult a well-informed healthcare professional. Not every medication suits everyone, and it’s essential that your healthcare team is informed about any new treatments you intend to pursue. Speaking with an integrative oncology nurse regarding your ongoing cancer treatment plan can provide valuable insights. Click here to discuss your options with an integrative oncology nurse>>.
