Fenbendazole vs Ivermectin for Cancer: What's the difference?
Contents
- What is Ivermectin
- What is Fenbendazole
- Chemical Structure and Mechanism of Action
- Comparing the Spectrum of Activity
- The Role of Ivermectin in Cancer Symptoms
- The Role of Fenbendazole in Cancer Symptoms
- Safety Profile and Side Effects: Assessing Risks and Tolerability
- Should You Use Ivermectin or Fenbendazole for Cancer?
- Ivermectin and Fenbendazole for Cancer
- Route of Administration and Dosage Forms
- Cost-Effectiveness and Availability: Evaluating Economic Factors and Accessibility
- New & Improved Joe Tippens Protocol
- Current Research and Future Perspectives: Exploring Potential Applications Beyond Parasitic Infections
- Fenbendazole vs Ivermectin Q&A
- Closing Remarks
What Is Ivermectin?
What Is Fenbendazole?
Fenbendazole is a benzimidazole that offers a wide spectrum anthelmintic effect. It is a dewormer medication used to treat parasites in dogs and cats. Some common names for Fenbendazole are Panacur® and Safe-Guard®.Note: In everyday conversations within the fenbendazole communities, you might encounter Fenbendazole referred to as Phenbendazole, Panacur or SafeGuard. This interchangeability is representative of the common use of the trademarked name; it signifies a consensus within these circles that these terms denote the same medication. Fenbendazole is the active ingredient in all these products. Molecular formula for fenbendazole is C15H13N3O2S.
Chemical Structure and Mechanism of Action
Both fenbendazole and ivermectin belong to the anthelmintic class of medications, but their chemical structures and mechanisms of action differ significantly. Fenbendazole is a benzimidazole compound, characterized by a fused ring system containing both benzene and imidazole. This unique structure allows it to interfere with the parasite’s microtubule formation, disrupting cellular processes and ultimately leading to its demise. In contrast, ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone derived from avermectin, featuring a large, complex ring structure with multiple substituents.The mechanism of action for these two drugs also varies:
- Fenbendazole: Binds to β-tubulin, preventing microtubule polymerization
- Ivermectin: Activates glutamate-gated chloride channels, causing paralysis and death of parasites
Spectrum of Antiparasitic Activity
Both fenbendazole and ivermectin exhibit broad-spectrum antiparasitic activity, but their efficacy against different parasites varies. Fenbendazole primarily targets gastrointestinal nematodes, lungworms, and certain protozoa. It’s particularly effective against roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms in various animal species. Ivermectin, on the other hand, demonstrates a wider range of activity, combating both internal and external parasites. It’s highly effective against:- Nematodes (roundworms)
- Arthropods (mites, lice, and some ticks)
- Certain ectoparasites
The Role of Ivermectin in Cancer Symptoms
Several clinical trials have been done to prove the effectiveness of Ivermectin against cancer cells with low enough dosages to be non-toxic to the normal cells. Research suggests that Ivermectin suppresses the growth and spread of cancer cells and promotes cancer cell death. Ivermectin proved successful against cancer cells when combined with chemotherapy or other targeted drugs and shows brilliant effectiveness against conventional chemotherapy drug-resistant cancer cells.
Ivermectin also shows efficacy for colorectal antitumor properties. Colorectal cancer still doesn’t have an effective treatment, but Ivermectin has been shown to possess anti-virus, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. Another study shows that after treatment with Ivermectin for breast cancer, the proliferation of multiple breast cancer cell lines was significantly reduced.
The Role of Fenbendazole in Cancer Symptoms
Fenbendazole acts as a moderate microtubule destabilizing agent and possesses a potent antitumor effect. Fenbendazole causes cancer cells to erupt by modulating multiple cellular pathways. To prove the effectiveness of using fenbendazole for cancer, a study treated human non-small cell lung cancer with this dewormer. The cancer cells were analyzed, and researchers found that fenbendazole causes partial alteration of the microtubule network around the nucleus of the cell. There was also an increase in the WT p53 tumor suppressor genes, which enhanced cell death-inducing activity.Cancer cells have been shown to use more glucose to fuel their energy requirements. Researchers tested the effectiveness of fenbendazole on glucose uptake in human cancer cells and found inhibition of glucose in the cell lines. Researchers also suggest that fenbendazole can be beneficial in evading the drug resistance encountered in cancer therapy.Safety Profile and Side Effects: Assessing Risks and Tolerability
Common side effects associated with ivermectin include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal discomfort e.g. nausea and vomiting
- Liver enzyme elevations
- Allergic reactions
Regulatory Approval and Off-Label Use
Both fenbendazole and ivermectin have undergone rigorous testing and approval processes for their intended uses in veterinary medicine. However, their regulatory status for human use differs significantly. Ivermectin has received FDA approval for treating certain parasitic infections in humans, while fenbendazole remains primarily a veterinary medication. This distinction has important implications for healthcare providers and patients considering these drugs for various conditions.Off-label use of these medications has garnered attention, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While ivermectin has been explored for potential antiviral properties, fenbendazole’s off-label use has been primarily investigated in cancer treatment. It’s crucial to note that:
- Off-label use is not FDA-approved
- Clinical evidence for such applications may be limited
- Potential risks and side effects may not be fully understood
Should You Use Ivermectin or Fenbendazole for Cancer?
Ivermectin Effectiveness
- Ivermectin and breast cancer Ivermectin has been found to turn cold breast tumors hot. Cold tumors mean there are little to no infiltrating T-cells. However, Ivermectin treatment led to robust T-cell infiltration, which turned the tumors into hot ones. This suggests that Ivermectin could synergize with proteins like the PD-1, which help the immune system by acting as a brake on T-cells. This will increase immunity and help the body eradicate cancer.
- Ivermectin and digestive system cancer Clinical studies show that dose-dependant Ivermectin inhibits the proliferation of glioblastoma cells in humans and induced apoptosis. Ivermectin has the potential to resist tumor angiogenesis and tumor metastasis.
- Ivermectin and lung cancer Ivermectin significantly inhibits the production of lung cancer cells by inhibiting the YAP1 activity. Ivermectin can also reduce the metastasis of lung cancer cells by impeding EMT.
- Ivermectin and melanoma Melanoma cells were treated with Ivermectin and showed the potential to effectively inhibit melanoma activity.
- Ivermectin and ovarian cancer Ivermectin has the potential to block a cell cycle and induce cell apoptosis in ovarian cancer. The combination of Ivermectin and paclitaxel has a synergized effect on ovarian cancer. A combined treatment of these two almost completely inhibited tumor growth in vivo.
- Ivermectin and colon cancer Ivermectin has been shown to have anti-virus, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties when it comes to colorectal cancer.
Fenbendazole Effectiveness
- Fenbendazole and prostate cancer Fenbendazole has been shown to be cytotoxic against paclitaxel-resistant prostate cancer.
- Fenbendazole and lung cancer Fenbendazole has been found to be effective against small cell lung cancer, and one of the success stories of this is Joe Tippens, who had small cell lung cancer that spread to his neck, right lung, stomach, liver, bladder, pancreas, and tail bone—and he was given three months to live. He managed to cure his cancer with a mix of fenbendazole, curcumin, CBD oil, and vitamin E, and has been cancer-free ever since.
- Fenbendazole and lymphoma A recent study shows that a combination of fenbendazole and supplemented vitamins inhibited the growth of human lymphoma cells in mice.
Ivermectin and Fenbendazole for Cancer
Ivermectin and fenbendazole are not the same; they are different medications. Ivermectin is primarily used to treat parasitic infections in both humans and animals, while fenbendazole is an anthelmintic drug mainly used in veterinary medicine to eliminate gastrointestinal parasites, but both have shown potential anticancer properties.Preclinical studies show that both ivermectin and fenbendazole exhibit cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. The two drugs also inhibit the growth and spread of cancerous tumors.
"The mechanisms underlying these effects appear to involve disruption of critical cellular processes, leading to cancer cell death," wrote Sid Belzberg in a paper cited by one of 2nd Smartest Guy in the World's readers.
Both ivermectin and fenbendazole are off-patent drugs, meaning their original intended use as licensed has expired and they have become generics. This allows for many different generic drug manufacturers, including a slew of them across India, to produce them cheaply and abundantly.
United States regulators make it hard to access them without a prescription – unless you purchase the versions available for pets – but they are out there. And when combined with other anti-cancer vitamins and minerals they show incredible promise in cancer prevention and mitigation.
You will be hard-pressed to find much helpful information about these two drugs in the mainstream, though. Because they are off-patent, ivermectin and fenbendazole bring in minimal profits, which means pharmaceutical companies are not interested in promoting them or touting their benefits.
Belzberg makes the case for ivermectin and fenbendazole to be compounded with other complementary substances to create a synergistic anti-cancer concoction that is safe and effective for widespread use.
"Despite these challenges, the repurposing of these compounds carries potential advantages that justify further exploration," Belzberg wrote. "Since the safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of these substances are well-known, their development as anticancer agents could be faster and less expensive than for new drugs."
"Furthermore, the successful repurposing of these compounds could provide a cost-effective way to expand anticancer treatments, possibly improving patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs."
Another paper by Belzberg suggests that taking ivermectin with quercetin can synergistically fight prion diseases, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, or TSEs.
TSEs represent a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the misfolding of the prion protein, or PrP.
"The promise shown by ivermectin and quercetin in their potential anti-prion activities and their modulation of tauopathy offers an interesting avenue for further exploration," he wrote.
Route of Administration and Dosage Forms
When it comes to the administration of these antiparasitic medications, there are notable differences. Fenbendazole is typically available as an oral suspension or granules, which can be easily mixed with food or water for consumption.Ivermectin, on the other hand, offers a wider range of dosage forms, including:
- Oral tablets
- Topical solutions (pour-on)
- Injectable formulations
- Chewable flavored tablets (for pets)
- Ivermectin: 150-200 mcg/kg (0.15-0.2 mg/kg) for humans (single dose)
Cost-Effectiveness and Availability: Evaluating Economic Factors and Accessibility
When considering antiparasitic treatments, economic factors and accessibility play crucial roles in decision-making.Availability varies between these two medications, impacting their overall accessibility:
- Ivermectin: Widely available in many countries, often without prescription for certain uses
- Fenbendazole: More commonly found in veterinary settings, with limited availability for human use in some regions.
New & Improved Joe Tippens Protocol
- Fenbendazole* (300 mg, 6 days a week) or in the case of severe turbo cancers up to 1 gram.
- Ivermectin (24 mg, 7 days a week) or in the case of severe turbo cancers up to 1mg/kg/day.
- Removing sugar from one’s diet is crucial during this protocol (BMJ 2023) and avoid processed foods (BMJ 2024).
- Bio-Available Curcumin (600mg per day, 2 pills per day 7 days a week).
- Vitamin D (62.5 mcg [2500 IU] seven days a week).
- Tocotrienol and Tocopherol forms (all 8) of Vitamin E (400-800mg per day, 7 days a week). A product called Gamma E by Life Extension.
- CBD oil (1-2 droppers full [equal to 167 to 334 mg per day] under the tongue, 7 days a week) CBD-X: The most potent full spectrum organic CBD oil, with 5,000 milligrams of activated cannabinoids and hemp compounds CBD, CBN & CBG per serving.
Current Research and Future Perspectives: Exploring Potential Applications Beyond Parasitic Infections
While ivermectin and fenbendazole have primarily been used to combat parasitic infections, researchers are exploring their potential applications in other medical fields. Cancer treatment is one area of particular interest, with studies investigating the anti-tumor properties of both drugs. Preliminary research suggests that ivermectin may inhibit tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy, while fenbendazole has shown promise in reducing tumor size and preventing metastasis in animal models. Additionally, scientists are examining the potential of these drugs in treating:- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Viral infections
- Autoimmune disorders
- Metabolic syndromes
Fenbendazole vs Ivermectin Q&A
Q: How do these drugs work?A: Both drugs interfere with the parasites’ nervous systems. Ivermectin works by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels, while Fenbendazole inhibits the polymerization of tubulin in the parasites.
Q: What are the main differences in their applications?
A: Ivermectin is used to treat a wider range of parasites, including external parasites like lice and mites. Fenbendazole is primarily used for internal parasites, especially gastrointestinal worms.
Q: Are there any differences in their safety profiles?
A: Both drugs are generally considered safe when used as directed. However, Ivermectin has been more extensively studied in humans and has a wider range of approved uses in human medicine compared to Fenbendazole.
Q: Can these drugs be used interchangeably?
A: No, they cannot be used interchangeably. The choice between Ivermectin and Fenbendazole depends on the specific parasite being targeted and the species being treated.
A: Yes. Fenbendazole is typically given orally, while ivermectin can be administered orally, topically, or by injection, depending on the species and condition being treated.
Q: Which drug has more applications in human medicine?
A: Ivermectin has more widespread use in human medicine compared to fenbendazole, which is primarily used in veterinary settings.
Q: Are there any ongoing research developments for these drugs?
A: Research continues for both drugs, with recent interest in potential applications beyond their traditional antiparasitic uses, particularly for ivermectin.
Closing Remarks
- Please do not consider this guide as personal medical advice, but as a recommendation for use by professional providers. Consult with your doctor and discuss with her/him.
- Our aim here isn't to replace your doctors' advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. Do take note that most treatments are not 100% protective or curative against cancer. It's 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. That said, there is no miracle diet or treatment that can cure all cancers.
Sources and References:
- https://www.healnavigator.com/a/articles/ivermectin-vs-fenbendazole-for-cancer-differences-and-which-is-better
- Dr Peter McCullough: How to Detox Spike Protein from Body
- FLCCC I-Recover Protocol (Post-Vaccine Treatment Protocol)
- Top 10 Repurposed Drugs and Metabolic Interventions for Cancer Treatment
- Can Diet and Lifestyle influence your Risk of getting Cancer?
Read More: This article is part of the Winning the War on Cancer series.
Related: Fenbendazole vs Mebendazole
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