Parasite Killers for Cancer Treatment: An Updated Review (2025)

Introduction

There is increasing interest in the potential use of Ivermectin and Fenbendazole as cancer treatments. This guide compiles key resources—including research articles, protocols, and expert insights—exploring their possible roles in cancer therapy.

Several case reports for fenbendazole, ivermectin and mebendazole have revealed promising effects of these drugs in human patients having variable types of cancers. 

The present paper aimed to review recent trends in use of ivermectin, fenbendazole and mebendazole as new promising anti-cancer agents.

 

Ivermectin: Key Resources

Ivermectin is one of the top non-standard or non-conventional drug for cancer.

Informative Article and Videos

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

2024 Studies

• Baghli et al 2024 - 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 2024 - Ivermectin Inhibits Bladder Cancer Cell Growth and Induces Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage
• Man-Yuan Li et al 2024- 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 50 cases)

Ivermectin for Cancer Dosage Guidelines Based on Body Weight (in Kilograms)

The table below provided shows dose recommendations based on body weight, with calculations for four different dose* levels commonly used in protocols:

• 0.5 mg/kg (low dose)

• 1 mg/kg (medium dose)

• 2 mg/kg (high dose)

• 2.5 mg/kg (very high dose)

Ivermectin: Calculation of correct dose

How to Read the Table

• First Column: Represents your body weight range in kilograms (kg).

• Columns 2 to 5: Show the corresponding dose ranges in milligrams (mg) based on your weight and the selected dose* level (mg per kg of body weight).

• For example, if you weigh between 60–68 kg and are following a 1 mg/kg dose protocol, your recommended dose* is 60–68 mg and your recommended dosage* is 60-68 mg per day.

Dosage Calculation Formula

To calculate the dosage manually:
Dosage (mg) = Body Weight (kg) × Dose Level (mg/kg)
Taken once daily unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.

Dose Level Examples

• 0.5 mg/kg: Multiply your weight by 0.5

• 1 mg/kg: Multiply your weight by 1

• 2 mg/kg: Multiply your weight by 2

• 2.5 mg/kg: Multiply your weight by 2.5

Important Notes

• Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate dosage for your condition.

• These guidelines are general references and should not replace professional medical advice.

• The table provides ranges to account for individual variations within each weight bracket.

*Dose vs Dosage?

Have you ever wondered about the nuanced difference between the usage of dose vs. dosage? People often use dose and dosage interchangeably, but these terms have different meanings. It’s a subtle distinction that can sometimes be overlooked, but it’s essential for accurate reporting and instruction.

Dose refers to the amount of a substance administered to an individual, usually in terms of weight or concentration. It is a single quantity of a substance that is given to achieve a desired effect. For example, in pharmacology, the dose of a medication may be expressed in milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Example: The recommended dose of the drug is 10 mg/kg.

Dosage refers to the regimen or schedule of administering a substance, usually over a period of time. It is the total amount of a substance given over a period, often expressed in terms of frequency and duration. For example, in clinical trials, a medication dosage may be administered once daily for a week. Example: The recommended dosage for the medication is one tablet every six hours for a week.

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

Related: Fenbendazole cancer success stories (More than 100 case reposts)

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.
• Mebendazole vs 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/day.

• 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).

• Lifestyle: Eliminate sugar (BMJ 2023), adopt a whole-food diet, avoid ultra-processed foods (BMJ 2024), prioritize sleep, and manage stress.

• 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.

*Note: If you are already taking ivermectin and mebendazole, you may not need to add fenbendazole. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.

• Vitamin E: Removed from the protocol (Joe Tippens, July 22, 2020) due to potential interactions (e.g., with blood thinners).

Source: Adapted from OneDayMD.com. https://www.onedaymd.com/2024/11/fenbendazole-and-cancer-15-minutes-with.html (November 2024).

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: Not FDA approved for cancer. Inexpensive
• Mebendazole: FDA approved, costly. See: "Fenbendazole vs Mebendazole for Cancer".
• Albendazole is FDA approved, expensive.

Research Gaps and Future Directions

We recognize that double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remain the gold standard in medical research. However, alternative study designs, such as N=1 trials, open-label studies, and real-world data analysis, provide practical insights—especially for rare or advanced cancers where large-scale RCTs may be impractical due to cost and time constraints. While these methods lack the rigorous controls of RCTs and are more susceptible to bias and confounding factors, they still offer valuable evidence that should not be overlooked.

For patients with Stage 4 or aggressive cancers, considering all available treatment options is essential, given the high-risk, high-reward nature of their condition. In such life-threatening scenarios, patients should have the "right to try" experimental or off-label treatments if standard options have been exhausted.

While clinical guidelines are informed by research, real-world patient care is not always dictated by clinical trials alone. Personalized treatment can be seen as a series of N=1 trials, where multiple interventions are carefully tested on an individual basis. By combining empirical evidence, clinical expertise, and real-time assessments—including cancer markers and PET scans—physicians can closely monitor treatment responses and adapt strategies quickly to maximize both effectiveness and safety.

Conclusion

Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, and Mebendazole show promise as experimental cancer treatments, supported by emerging research across multiple cancer types. However, clinical trial data remain limited. Patients should consult healthcare professionals before pursuing these protocols.

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