There are numerous social media posts and TikTok videos claiming that dog dewormer Fenbendazole (FZ) cures cancer in humans. These claims have received widespread attention and even support from medical professionals.
FZ is an antiparasitic that targets parasitic worms and tapeworms. It also interferes with tumour development by reprogramming the tumour microenvironment.
Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic that is used in animals to treat parasites and worms. It is most often prescribed for the treatment of roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms in dogs and cats. It is also being used as a cancer dewormer in humans by people who follow the Joe Tippens Protocol. It is available as granules, liquid or chewable formulations and can be mixed with food to prevent stomach upset.
Fenbendazole inhibited tumor growth by causing G2/M cell cycle arrest and increasing p21 expression in 5-FU-sensitive SNU-C5 and resistant SNU-C5/5-FUR CRC cells. In addition, it induced apoptosis and necroptosis in these cells.
Tumor-bearing mice were randomized at a tumor volume of 100 mm3 to receive either three daily i.p. injections of fenbendazole, irradiation alone, or irradiation plus fenbendazole. Irradiation was done locally using a Siemens Stabilipan with 10 Gy at 250 kV. Mice were euthanized when their tumor reached a volume of 1000 mm3. There was no difference in the number of local tumor invasions or lymph node metastases in irradiated and fenbendazole-treated mice.
Levamisole
Levamisole is a synthetic imidazothiazole anthelmintic used as an extra-label treatment for worm infestation in poultry. It works by targeting the L-subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the nematode, which prevents them from controlling their reproductive muscles. It is also an immunomodulator and has been used as an adjuvant in combination with 5-fluorouracil in Duke stage colon cancer patients.
Levamisol can cause a variety of side effects. The most common include psychiatric disorders, hepatobiliary disorders, vasculitis, and musculoskeletal disorders. However, these side effects can be managed with a proper regimen.
This medication should only be taken as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than prescribed, as it could cause serious complications. In addition, you should not use this drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, it is important to keep your doctor informed about your condition while you are taking this medicine. They will monitor your progress regularly and check for any unwanted effects.
Menbendazole
Scientists have been repurposing FDA-approved drugs for cancer treatment, including mebendazole. This anthelmintic, which is used to treat parasitic infections in animals, has been shown to be effective in animal models. Its ability to block cell division and inhibit oxidative stress has been confirmed in laboratory tests. It also shows promise as an antitumor agent.
Mebendazole works by blocking the formation of tubulin, which is both a micro-skeleton and highway for transporting proteins. This allows the drug to starve the parasite, causing it to die. Research has also found that the drug can help kill cancer cells in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer.
A video circulating on TikTok and Facebook claims that fenbendazole cures cancer in humans. However, this claim is unproven. Some preclinical studies are examining this class of pharmaceuticals as a cancer treatment, but the journey from laboratory testing to clinical trials can take up to 25 years. Until then, patients should consult with their doctors before taking these medications.
Curcumin
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that has shown promise in the treatment of cancer. It inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells by causing p53-dependent and -independent apoptosis, and it blocks signaling pathways that promote tumor growth and invasiveness. It also inhibits NF-kB-mediated gene expression, thereby preventing the activation of cancer-promoting genes. It has also been demonstrated that dietary curcumin reduces the occurrence of recurrence in cancer patients.
A small randomized controlled trial showed that twice daily doses of curcumin, at a level equivalent to the one used in the study, outperformed placebo on all measures of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In addition, the study found that curcumin decreases inflammatory markers and improves rheumatoid factor (RF) values.
Several curcumin formulations are being explored for improved absorption, bioavailability and targeted delivery to the cells. These include conjugation to peptide carriers; complexation with essential oils; encapsulation in liposomes, polymeric micelles, and cyclodextrins; and coadministration with piperine.dewormer for cancer
