Some influencers on social media websites like TikTok have claimed that the pet de-wormer fenbendazole which can be bought on Amazon has cured their cancer. It seems magical. I am neither a medical doctor nor a veterinarian. However, research immediately points to this form of self-treatment as high-risk as fenbendazole has not, as at Jan 2024, been approved for the treatment of cancer in humans or any other human illness to the best of my knowledge.
Self-treatment of this kind carries considerable risk of severe side-effects. You’d have to be at stage four cancer and terminally ill to take this de-wormer to treat cancer in my view. So, there might be a use for it under those desperate conditions but I stress I am not a doctor.
The suggested and common-sense way forward would be for the authorities to conduct authorized trials to test its efficacy and work out human cancer treatment regimens using this drug.
A medical practitioner, Dr Jason Williams, who uses experimental treatments for cancer patients, told DailyMail.com:
“Fenbendazole may be useful in specific contents, but it is a double-edged sword. In some cases, it could even promote cancer growth if not applied appropriately. Its use must be carefully tailored to the individual patient’s situation and monitored closely.”
Below is some more information provided by AI (ChatGPT) based on internet research and training:
The use of fenbendazole, a pet de-wormer, as a treatment for cancer in humans has garnered attention, but it remains a highly controversial and unproven approach. Here’s a detailed overview:
Background on Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole is an anti-parasitic drug commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat worms in animals. It belongs to the benzimidazole class of compounds, which work by disrupting microtubule formation in parasites, ultimately leading to their death.
Interest in Cancer Treatment
Interest in fenbendazole as a potential cancer treatment stems from anecdotal reports and preclinical studies suggesting it may have anticancer properties. Some individuals claim dramatic improvements or remission of cancer while taking the drug, often citing laboratory findings to support their claims.
Scientific Evidence
- Laboratory Studies:
- In vitro (cell culture) and some animal studies have shown that fenbendazole can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Its proposed mechanisms include:
- Disruption of microtubules in cancer cells.
- Induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- Inhibition of glucose uptake by cancer cells.
- These effects are not unique to fenbendazole; other compounds, including established cancer drugs, exhibit similar mechanisms.
- In vitro (cell culture) and some animal studies have shown that fenbendazole can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Its proposed mechanisms include:
- Human Evidence:
- There is currently no robust clinical evidence (randomized controlled trials) supporting the safety or efficacy of fenbendazole for treating cancer in humans.
- Anecdotal reports are not a substitute for rigorous scientific studies, as they can be influenced by placebo effects, concurrent treatments, or natural disease progression.
Risks and Concerns
- Safety:
- Fenbendazole is not approved for human use, and its safety profile in humans is not well studied.
- Potential side effects may include liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, and allergic reactions.
- Drug Interactions:
- Fenbendazole may interact with other medications, including conventional cancer treatments, potentially reducing their efficacy or increasing toxicity.
- Lack of Regulation:
- The use of fenbendazole for cancer is not regulated or standardized, leading to variability in dosing and quality of the drug.
Expert Consensus
Medical experts and organizations generally caution against using fenbendazole as a cancer treatment outside of a clinical trial. Established cancer therapies, which have undergone extensive testing for safety and efficacy, remain the recommended course of treatment.
What Should Patients Do?
- Consult Oncologists:
- Patients considering alternative treatments should discuss them with their oncologist to understand potential risks and interactions with conventional therapy.
- Focus on Proven Therapies:
- While innovative approaches are important in cancer treatment, they should be pursued within the framework of clinical research to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Monitor Research:
- Ongoing studies may provide more insights into the potential role of fenbendazole or similar compounds in cancer treatment.
In summary, while fenbendazole has shown some anticancer activity in preclinical studies, there is no scientific consensus or clinical evidence supporting its use as a cancer treatment in humans. It is critical to approach such claims with caution and rely on guidance from medical professionals.
