Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, and Mebendazole: Emerging Options in Multiple Myeloma Therapy (2025)

Here’s a concise and evidence-based overview of Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, Mebendazole, and their potential relationship to Multiple Myeloma (MM), a cancer of plasma cells, as of March 26, 2025. This response draws on recent studies and anecdotal reports while acknowledging the current limitations of the evidence.

Ivermectin and Multiple Myeloma

Ivermectin, an FDA-approved antiparasitic drug, has shown preclinical promise against MM:

• 2024 Study (Yang Song et al.): Published in World Journal of Clinical Oncology, this study assessed Ivermectin’s potential against the high-risk t(4;14) MM subtype. Using bioinformatics, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments, it found Ivermectin inhibited MM cell growth and induced apoptosis via the NF-κB signaling pathway. Key genes linked to this subtype were identified, suggesting Ivermectin as a candidate for repurposing.
• 2023 Study (PubMed): Ivermectin synergized with proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib) in vitro and in vivo, inhibiting proteasome activity, causing DNA damage, and enhancing MM cell death in mouse models. The combination was well-tolerated, hinting at clinical potential.
• Mechanisms: Ivermectin disrupts cancer cell proliferation (e.g., via Akt, Wnt, mTOR pathways) and induces programmed cell death, including apoptosis and autophagy.

Despite these findings, no human clinical trials have confirmed efficacy or safety for MM treatment. Its use remains experimental.

Fenbendazole and Multiple Myeloma

Fenbendazole, a veterinary antiparasitic in the benzimidazole class, lacks specific MM-focused studies but has broader anticancer research:

• General Anticancer Effects: Studies (e.g., 2024, Anticancer Research) show Fenbendazole inhibits glycolysis, reduces glucose uptake, and induces apoptosis across various cancer cell lines. Its microtubule-destabilizing properties mirror those of related drugs like Mebendazole.
• MM Relevance: A 2025 anecdotal report from OneDayMD.com describes a patient with Multiple Myeloma using Fenbendazole (444 mg, 6 days/week) and Ivermectin (30 mg/day) starting in August after a May diagnosis. The patient’s markers reportedly normalized rapidly, surprising doctors. This is unverified and lacks peer-reviewed backing.
• Limitations: No MM-specific preclinical or clinical data exists for Fenbendazole. Its poor water solubility and lack of FDA approval for human use complicate its therapeutic application.

Mebendazole and Multiple Myeloma

Mebendazole, an FDA-approved benzimidazole for human parasitic infections, has more direct MM research:

• Preclinical Evidence: Studies (e.g., 2020, Spandidos Publications) note benzimidazoles like Mebendazole disrupt microtubule function, inhibit glucose uptake, and induce apoptosis in cancer cells, including MM. Flubendazole, a related compound, showed antiproliferative effects in MM cell lines, suggesting a class effect.
• 2024 Protocol: The peer-reviewed Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine study (Baghli et al., September 19, 2024) combined Mebendazole with Ivermectin and Fenbendazole, proposing a hybrid protocol targeting cancer stem cells and mitochondrial pathways. While not MM-specific, it includes MM in its scope based on preclinical synergies.
• Clinical Gap: No MM-specific clinical trials exist, though Mebendazole’s safety profile at high doses (e.g., 4 g/day, 2021 Mansoori et al.) supports further investigation.

Current Status and Considerations

• Research Stage: All three drugs show preclinical promise—Ivermectin with the most MM-specific data, followed by Mebendazole via class effects, and Fenbendazole with the least direct evidence. Mechanisms like microtubule disruption, metabolic interference, and apoptosis induction align with MM biology, but human data is absent.
• Anecdotal Reports: Posts on X and compilations (e.g., OneDayMD, 2025) cite MM patients using these drugs with reported success (e.g., normalized markers). These lack control groups, verification, or long-term follow-up, making them suggestive but not conclusive.
• Challenges: Off-patent status reduces funding for large-scale trials. Regulatory hurdles (e.g., Fenbendazole’s veterinary status) and skepticism from mainstream oncology limit adoption.
• Expert Insight: Dr. William Makis, a protocol co-author, advocates their use based on preclinical and anecdotal evidence, emphasizing accessibility and low cost. Critics argue the evidence is insufficient without randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion

Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, and Mebendazole exhibit potential anti-MM effects in lab studies and anecdotal cases, but no robust clinical evidence supports their use as treatments as of March 26, 2025. Patients considering these should consult healthcare professionals, weighing the experimental nature against standard therapies like proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs. Further research, especially clinical trials, is critical to validate these findings.