Ivermectin, Fenbendazole and Mebendazole Cancer Research and Treatment Guide: Resources and Insights (2025)

Introduction

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an increasing incidence of aggressive and treatment-resistant tumors such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and glioblastoma. Despite significant advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, many patients continue to face limited effective options, highlighting an urgent need for novel, affordable, and accessible treatment strategies. 

The high cost of oncology drugs-exceeding $150 billion globally in 2022-and the slow pace of new drug approvals further complicate timely patient access to effective therapies. In this context, drug repurposing-the strategy of identifying new therapeutic uses for existing drugs-has emerged as a promising approach to accelerate cancer treatment development while reducing costs and safety risks.

Among repurposed candidates, antiparasitic drugs such as fenbendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin have attracted considerable attention due to their demonstrated anticancer activities across multiple preclinical models and emerging clinical case reports. These agents, originally developed to treat helminth infections, exert multifaceted effects on cancer cells, including disruption of microtubule dynamics, interference with metabolic pathways, and modulation of oncogenic signaling.

Fenbendazole, a benzimidazole derivative widely used in veterinary medicine, has shown potent anticancer effects by destabilizing microtubules, inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest, and impairing glucose metabolism through inhibition of glucose transporters (GLUT1/4) and hexokinase activity. These actions lead to reduced glycolysis and lactate production, effectively starving cancer cells and overcoming drug resistance, particularly in 5-fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer models (Bai et al., 2009; Oral Fenbendazole for Cancer Therapy, 2024; Anti-cancer effects of fenbendazole on 5-fluorouracil-resistant cells, 2022). However, fenbendazole’s poor water solubility and limited oral bioavailability present challenges for achieving therapeutic systemic levels, necessitating formulation improvements and pharmacokinetic optimization.

Mebendazole, a structurally related benzimidazole with better bioavailability and a longer history of human use, similarly disrupts microtubule polymerization and induces apoptosis. It has demonstrated anticancer activity in diverse malignancies, including ovarian cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, and glioblastoma, with evidence of synergistic effects when combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other chemotherapeutics (Potential and mechanism of mebendazole, 2020; Anticancer potential of mebendazole against chronic myeloid leukemia, 2022; Repurposing Drugs in Oncology, 2014). Mebendazole’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier further supports its investigation in brain tumors.

Ivermectin, a macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic, exhibits broad-spectrum anticancer effects through mechanisms distinct from benzimidazoles. It inhibits key oncogenic pathways such as STAT3, Wnt/β-catenin, and AKT/mTOR, induces oxidative stress, promotes apoptosis and autophagy, and targets cancer stem cells. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy across more than 20 cancer types, including breast, colon, lung, and hematologic malignancies, with promising activity against drug-resistant and metastatic tumors (OneDayMD, 2025; Ivermectin, a potential anticancer drug, 2021). Its favorable safety profile at standard doses supports combination regimens with fenbendazole and mebendazole, which may enhance therapeutic outcomes through complementary mechanisms.

Despite encouraging preclinical and anecdotal clinical evidence, these antiparasitic agents remain largely experimental in oncology, with limited randomized controlled trials and regulatory approval for cancer indications. Variability in dosing protocols, access issues, and concerns about off-label use underscore the need for rigorous clinical evaluation. Nonetheless, their low cost, oral administration, and multi-targeted anticancer properties position fenbendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin as attractive candidates for adjunctive cancer therapy, especially in resource-limited settings.

This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the anticancer mechanisms, clinical case reports, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles of fenbendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin. We discuss their potential roles in overcoming drug resistance, improving patient outcomes, and informing future clinical trials that could integrate these repurposed agents into standard oncology practice.

Ivermectin: Key Resources

Informative Article and Videos

June 10, 2024 - "15 minutes with Dr.Makis" - Episode 018: High Dose IVERMECTIN and CANCER

2024 Studies

• Baghli et al - Targeting the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection in Cancer Treatment: A Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol. First-in-the-World Ivermectin, Mebendazole and Fenbendazole Protocol in Cancer has been peer-reviewed and published on Sep.19, 2024. Co-authors include Dr Paul Marik and Dr William Makis.
• Fan et al - Ivermectin Inhibits Bladder Cancer Cell Growth and Induces Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage
• Man-Yuan Li et al - Ivermectin induces non-protective autophagy by downregulating PAK1 and apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells
• Kaur et al - Ivermectin: A Multifaceted drug with a potential beyond anti-parasitic therapy
• Xing Hu et al - Ivermectin as a potential therapeutic strategy for glioma
• Yang Song et al - Gene signatures to therapeutics: Assessing the potential of ivermectin against t(4;14) multiple myeloma
• Goldfarb et al - Lipid-Restricted Culture Media Reveal Unexpected Cancer Cell Sensitivities
• Newell et al - Therapeutic targeting of nuclear export and import receptors in cancer and their potential in combination chemotherapy
• One Day MD - IVERMECTIN and CANCER, it has at least 15 anti-cancer mechanisms of action. Can Ivermectin Treat COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Induced Turbo Cancers? - 9 Ivermectin papers reviewed.

Types of Cancer Studied with Ivermectin

Top 5 COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Induced Turbo Cancers are: Lymphoma, Glioblastoma, Breast, Colon, Lung Cancer.

IVERMECTIN can help with mRNA Induced Turbo Cancer, or regular cancers.

Here are recent studies on IVERMECTIN use in certain types of cancer:

• BLADDER CANCER - (2024 Fan et al) - Ivermectin Inhibits Bladder Cancer Cell Growth and Induces Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage
• LUNG CANCER - (2024 Man-Yuan Li et al) - Ivermectin induces nonprotective autophagy by downregulating PAK1 and apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells
• GLIOMA - (2024 Xing Hu et al) - Ivermectin as a potential therapeutic strategy for glioma
• MULTIPLE MYELOMA - (2024 Yang Song et al) - Gene signatures to therapeutics: Assessing the potential of ivermectin against t(4;14) multiple myeloma
• OVARIAN CANCER - (2023 Jawad et al) - Ivermectin augments the anti-cancer activity of pitavastatin in ovarian cancer cells
• PROSTATE CANCER - (2022 Lu et al) - Integrated analysis reveals FOXA1 and Ku70/Ku80 as targets of ivermectin in prostate cancer
• COLON CANCER - (2022, Alghamdi et al) - Efficacy of ivermectin against colon cancer induced by dimethylhydrazine in male wistar rats
• PANCREATIC CANCER - (2022 Lee et al) - Ivermectin and gemcitabine combination treatment induces apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells via mitochondrial dysfunction
• MELANOMA - (2022 Zhang et al) - Drug repurposing of ivermectin abrogates neutrophil extracellular traps and prevents melanoma metastasis
• CERVICAL CANCER - (2022, Qabbus et al) - Ivermectin-induced cell death of cervical cancer cells in vitro a consequence of precipitate formation in culture media
• HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA - (2022 Lu et al) - Ivermectin synergizes sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting multiple oncogenic pathways
• OSTEOSARCOMA - (2022 Hu et al) - Repurposing Ivermectin to augment chemotherapy’s efficacy in osteosarcoma
• GASTRIC CANCER - (2021 Rabben et al) - Computational drug repositioning and experimental validation of ivermectin in treatment of gastric cancer
• LEUKEMIA - (2020, de Castro et al) - Continuous high-dose ivermectin appears to be safe in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia and could inform clinical repurposing for COVID-19 infection
• ESOPHAGEAL SCC - (2020, Chen et al) - Ivermectin suppresses tumour growth and metastasis through degradation of PAK1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
• CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA - (2019 Intyuod et al) - Anti-parasitic drug ivermectin exhibits potent anticancer activity against gemcitabine-resistant cholangiocarcinoma in vitro
• BREAST CANCER STEM CELLS - (2018 Dominguez-Gomez et al) - Ivermectin as an inhibitor of cancer stem-like cells.
• CML (CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA) - (2018 Wang et al) - Antibiotic ivermectin selectively induces apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
• RENAL CELL CARCINOMA - (2017 Zhu et al) - Antibiotic ivermectin preferentially targets renal cancer through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage
• GLIOBLASTOMA - (2016 Liu et al) - Anthelmintic drug ivermectin inhibits angiogenesis, growth and survival of glioblastoma through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Related: 

• Ivermectin Cancer Success Stories: Case Series Compilation (More than 30 cases)

Ivermectin Access and Controversies

Expert Opinion: Dr. William Makis

Dr. Makis emphasizes that Ivermectin has shown anti-cancer activity against over 20 types of cancer. However, due to its low cost and off-patent status, clinical trials remain unlikely. Studies in mice have demonstrated effectiveness in breast, colon, glioblastoma, glioma, and leukemia, but more research is needed for lymphoma, testicular cancer, and sarcomas.

IVERMECTIN acts on Cancer mainly by inhibiting signaling pathways involved in cancer proliferation (Akt, Wnt, mTOR) and also by inhibiting CANCER STEM CELLS.

Access to Ivermectin

In many countries, Ivermectin is available over the counter. However, regulatory bodies often impose restrictions, as seen in cases where physicians were penalized for prescribing it. Advocates argue that such restrictions deny patients access to potentially life-saving treatments.

Fenbendazole: Key Resources

Fenbendazole, another antiparasitic, exhibits at least 12 anti-cancer mechanisms. Studies indicate its effectiveness against triple-negative breast cancer, colon cancer, glioma, and leukemia. The ketogenic diet may enhance its therapeutic effects.

Oct.3, 2023 - FENBENDAZOLE and CANCER - at least 12 Anti-Cancer mechanisms of action. Not approved by FDA. Cheap. Safe. Kills aggressive cancers. Why no Clinical Trials? Nine research papers reviewed.

2023 - 2024 Fenbendazole Studies

• 2024 Apr, Rodrigues et al - Repurposing mebendazole against triple-negative breast cancer CNS metastasis
• 2024 Feb, Eid et al - Investigating the Promising Anticancer Activity of Cetuximab and Fenbendazole Combination as Dual CBS and VEGFR-2 Inhibitors and Endowed with Apoptotic Potential
• 2024 Feb, Park et al) - The microtubule cytoskeleton: A validated target for the development of 2-Aryl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole derivatives as potential anticancer agents
• 2024 Jan, Matsuo et al - Parbendazole as a promising drug for inducing differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells with various subtypes
• 2023, Dec, Iragavarapu-Charyulu et al - A novel treatment to enhance survival for end stage triple negative breast cancer using repurposed veterinary anthelmintics combined with gut‑supporting/immune enhancing molecules
• 2023 Nov, Aliabadi et al - In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of mebendazole in colon cancer: a promising drug repositioning
• 2023 Nov, Jung et al - Fenbendazole Exhibits Differential Anticancer Effects In Vitro and In Vivo in Models of Mouse Lymphoma
• 2023 Sep, Garg et al - Network pharmacology and molecular docking study-based approach to explore mechanism of benzimidazole-based anthelmintics for the treatment of lung cancer
• 2023 Jun, Mukherjee et al - Ketogenic diet as a metabolic vehicle for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of mebendazole and devimistat in preclinical pediatric glioma
• 2023 Feb, Lee et al - Benzimidazole and its derivatives as cancer therapeutics: The potential role from traditional to precision medicine

Experimental Cancer Protocols

For aggressive cancers, high-dose Fenbendazole (444-888mg/day) or Mebendazole (up to 4g/day) may be considered. Clinical trials support Mebendazole’s safety at high doses.

• You can look at fenbendazole.org for suggested dosing and dose calculator
• Dr.Tom Rogers, Founder of “Performance Medicine” has similar protocols.
• For anyone COVID-19 mRNA Vaccinated diagnosed with cancer (Turbo Cancer), I’d probably be looking at starting at 444 mg a day.
• For particularly aggressive Turbo Cancers or bad cases, I’d even consider pushing towards 888 mg/day (444 mg twice a day) or 1000 mg/day.
• Highest dosing I’ve seen is 30-50mg/kg/day for 5 days, based on the “Merck Manual”, however very few claim to have taken this dose.
• Fenbendazole can elevate liver function tests, so it would be a good idea to have a family doctor monitor those

Mebendazole: Key Resources

Here are the references for this dosing schedule:

• For Maximum dose of 4g/day being safe, that’s from a Phase 2 Clinical Trial for Gastrointestinal Cancer: (2021 Mansoori et al)

• (2021 Chai et al) - summarizes the various studies that have looked at Mebendazole in Cancer and the doses used.

  • 500mg-1500mg/day (Phase 1 Clinical Trial, pediatric brain tumors)

  • 200mg/day (2011 Dobrosotskaya et al) (adrenocortical ca)

  • 200mg/day (2014 Nygren et al) (colon ca lung and LN mets)

  • 100mg/day (Clinical Trial, UK)

• So far, several studies in the literature have used 200mg/day with some success, however given that it is safe to go up to 4g/day, when we’re dealing with aggressive mRNA Induced Turbo Cancers, 200mg/day is probably not sufficient.

• Why Mebendazole over Albendazole (2021 Chai et al):

  “However, because of the toxicity of albendazole, for example, neutropenia due to myelosuppression, if high doses are used for a prolonged time, mebendazole is currently more popularly used than albendazole in anti-cancer clinical trials.”
• 
  

New & Improved Joe Tippens Protocol

The holy grail turbo cancer treatment may just be the synergistic combination therapy of Fenbendazole AND Ivermectin as follows:

• Fenbendazole (300mg, 6 days a week) or in the case of severe turbo cancers up to 1 gram.

• Ivermectin* (24mg, 7 days a week) or in the case of severe turbo cancers up to 1mg/kg/day (Find a Doctor)

• Bio-Available Curcumin (600mg per day, 7 days a week).

• Vitamin D (62.5 mcg [2500 IU] seven days a week).

• Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential during this protocol. This includes eliminating sugar from the diet (BMJ 2023), consuming a nutritious, whole-food diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding ultra-processed foods (BMJ 2024), quality sleep and stress management.

• Enhanced absorption Berberine (500mg per day) if you are trying to starve your cancer of sugars.

Please note that this protocol now includes the vital Vitamin D addition, with the one day off for the fenbendazole administration. This protocol represents the most comprehensive and cutting edge repurposed drug and vitamin treatment approach to date.

*If you are taking ivermectin and mebendazole, you might not need fenbendazole. Consult your doctor.

Note on Vitamin E:  

According to a July 22, 2020 update by Joe Tippens:

"I have eliminated Vitamin E as a required part of the protocol as there are simply too many instances (eg, blood thinners) where it needs to be eliminated, and it is the least important of the items."

Adapted from:  https://www.onedaymd.com/2024/11/fenbendazole-and-cancer-15-minutes-with.html

Fenbendazole and Mebendazole Cost

Fenbendazole is cheap. If big pharma is going to make money (especially in cancer treatment), they need an expensive compound and Fenbendazole isn’t it.

Fenbendazole is not FDA approved. It’s dirt cheap.

Mebendazole is FDA approved. It’s expensive. Check out "Fenbendazole vs Mebendazole for Cancer".

Albendazole is FDA approved. It’s expensive.

Dr. William Makis’s Take on Fenbendazole & Mebendazole

While research on Fenbendazole and cancer continues, scientists are increasingly focusing on other compounds in the Benzimidazole family, including Mebendazole, Albendazole, and Parbendazole. 

If I were diagnosed with mRNA-induced turbo cancer as a male in my 40s, I would strongly consider a combination of Ivermectin (1mg/kg/day) and Fenbendazole (444mg/day). This decision would be based on numerous peer-reviewed studies, ongoing clinical trials, and existing research.

"Everyone’s situation is different, but it is crucial to arm yourself with medical knowledge that oncologists may not provide, either due to a lack of awareness or fear of professional risk."

Scam and Fraud Alert!

Dr William Makis posted this alert on X/Twitter (Jan 2025):

There are many SCAMS now using my photos on Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram. I am NOT on any of these platforms! I also don't have a website. 

You can only reach me via: makisw79@yahoo.com. 

Any other variation of this email is a fraud.

Research Gaps and Future Directions

We acknowledge that double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the current gold standard in medical research. However, N=1 trials, open-label studies, and real-world data offer practical alternatives. While these approaches are less rigorous than RCTs—which are costly and time-consuming—they can still provide valuable insights, particularly for rare or advanced cancers. That said, their limitations, such as the absence of control groups and potential bias, must be carefully considered.

For patients with Stage 4 or aggressive cancers, exploring all available options is crucial given the high-stakes risk-benefit ratio. In such life-and-death situations, patients should have the "right to try."

Clinical guides are based on research, but not every clinical decision is solely research-driven. A personalised clinical approach can also be viewed as a series of N=1 trials, where multiple interventions are tested within the same individual. By integrating empirical evidence, clinical observations, and objective assessments—such as cancer markers and PET scans—doctors can closely monitor and observe both the effectiveness and safety of treatments almost immediately.

Conclusion

Ivermectin, Fenbendazole and Mebendazole offer promising, yet experimental, cancer treatment options. 

While clinical trials remain limited, emerging studies suggest promising applications across multiple cancer types.

Patients should consult healthcare professionals before considering these protocols.

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Joe Tippens Protocol Fenbendazole

Fenbendazole: Questions Answered, Things to Know, Useful Tips

Read More: This article is part of the Winning the War on Cancer series.

The Wellness Company's Ivermectin and Mebendazole

Ivermectin and mebendazole, both approved for human use, are now available in the U.S.

Researched and approved by Dr. Peter McCullough.

• Prescribed by licensed medical professionals
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Where to buy Ivermectin and Mebendazole Formula: Available on The Wellness Company's website. Here is the link: Ivermectin and Mebendazole.