If you’ve heard of Metformin, Fenbendazole, or the ketogenic diet for cancer—but not from your oncologist—you’re not alone.
Many patients first come across these therapies through online research, support groups, or other survivors—after their diagnosis.
The real question is:
Why isn’t anyone in the medical system talking about this at all?
This article unpacks why certain therapies remain outside conventional care, what the current research says, and how patients are navigating these options safely.
This article is adapted from our podcast interview with Travis Christofferson, MS, author of Tripping Over the Truth and a leading voice in metabolic cancer therapy.
Why You’re Not Hearing About Metabolic Therapy from Your Oncologist
Most oncologists follow strict, evidence-based treatment protocols—and for good reason. These are built around FDA-approved therapies with large-scale clinical trial data behind them. But that structure also means:
- Promising therapies may stay in “clinical limbo” for years
- Off-label options rarely get discussed
- Doctors simply don’t have time to explore every emerging approach
As Travis Christofferson explains in our podcast episode:
“They’re just doing what they’re trained to do—working within the structure of the medical system. It’s not that they don’t care.”
Learn more about off-label cancer treatments
What the Research Says (and Doesn’t) About Metabolic Therapy
These therapies fall under the umbrella of metabolic therapy, a growing field focused on how cancer cells produce energy. Here’s what the research shows so far:
Metformin
- Studied for: Breast, prostate, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers
- Why it’s promising: Lowers blood glucose and insulin, both of which fuel cancer growth
- What’s missing: Strong trial data in non-diabetic patients
Fenbendazole & Mebendazole
- Originally used as: Anti-parasitic drugs
- Lab studies show: Interference with cancer cell structure (microtubules)
- Real-world use: Some integrative doctors prescribe off-label
Learn about the Fenbendazole Cancer Protocol
“We’re starting to see Phase 1 and 2 trials around Mebendazole. The early data is encouraging—it’s why more people are talking about this.” – Travis
Ketogenic Diet
- Theory: Cancer cells rely on glucose; keto deprives them
- Research status: Small but growing studies, including one at Cedars-Sinai
- Note: Not suitable for every patient or cancer type
On the podcast, Travis notes:
“When neuro-oncologists saw patients doing better on keto diets—fewer seizures, better response to chemo—they started asking: what’s going on here?”
Read our guide to metabolic therapy
What Is Off-Label Cancer Treatment—and Why It’s Relevant
“Off-label” doesn’t mean unsafe. It means the drug is being used for a condition it wasn’t originally approved for. This is common in oncology, especially when standard treatments are limited.
Most oncologists won’t recommend off-label use unless it’s within an institutional protocol—but integrative programs like ours offer a structured way to explore these options safely.
“There are so many repurposed drugs with known safety profiles, but no incentive for large trials. That’s why programs like Astron Health are emerging—to use real patient data and genomics to personalize this.” – Travis
How to Talk to Your Doctor About Metabolic Therapy
Bringing up therapies your doctor hasn’t mentioned can feel intimidating. Here’s how to keep it constructive:
- Ask if they’ve seen any recent research
- Frame it as curiosity, not criticism: “I’m exploring supportive options—are you open to talking through some of them?”
- Bring links or data from reputable sources
Schedule a call with one of our Integrative Oncology Nurses
You’re Not Alone in Asking These Questions
It’s not that you missed something. It’s that the system often isn’t built to include it.
“We’re not saying traditional oncology is wrong — we’re saying there may be more ways to support it.” – Travis
If you’re exploring therapies that aren’t being acknowledged in your exam room—you’re not crazy. You’re not alone. And you’re not the only one asking: Why isn’t anyone talking about this?
Listen to our podcast episode with Travis Christofferson, author of Tripping Over the Truth, on the science behind metabolic therapy and repurposed drugs. 👉 Watch on YouTube
“We’re not saying traditional oncology is wrong — we’re saying there may be more ways to support it.” – Travis
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