When it comes to cancer treatment, most people immediately think of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or newer biologic therapies. But there’s a growing movement in oncology exploring an unexpected angle—repurposing existing drugs that have already stood the test of time for other conditions. Two of the most intriguing candidates in this category are ivermectin and mebendazole.
Originally developed as antiparasitic agents, these medications have decades of safety data, are widely available, and—according to emerging research—may offer anti-cancer benefits when used appropriately in an integrative treatment plan.
At Health Dimensions Clinical Pharmacy, we work closely with prescribers who are integrating these compounds into personalized cancer care strategies. While these are not standalone cures, they are showing promise as part of a multi-layered approach.
Why Repurpose Antiparasitic Drugs for Cancer?
Repurposing drugs isn’t new. Many medications have been found to help conditions far outside their original FDA-approved use. For example, aspirin was once just a pain reliever—until its heart-protective benefits were discovered.
With ivermectin and mebendazole, research has revealed pleiotropic effects—that is, multiple beneficial actions—beyond their antiparasitic roles. In cancer models, these drugs have demonstrated:
- Anti-proliferative effects: slowing the growth of cancer cells.
- Taylor, M. A., Khoury, J. D., & Blayney, D. W. (2021). Repurposing antiparasitic agents for cancer therapy: An opportunity for drug repositioning. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 93, 102139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102139
- Pro-apoptotic activity: triggering programmed cell death in tumor cells.
- Patel, Y., Chawla, J. & Parmar, M.S. Ivermectin in Cancer Treatment: Should Healthcare Providers Caution or Explore Its Therapeutic Potential?. Curr Oncol Rep (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-025-01704-z
- Anti-inflammatory action: reducing harmful inflammatory signals.
- Lotfalizadeh, N., Gharib, A., Hajjafari, A., Borji, H., & Bayat, Z. (2022). The anticancer potential of ivermectin: Mechanisms of action and therapeutic implications. Journal of Lab Animal Research, 1(1), 52-59.
- Metabolic interference: disrupting how tumor cells fuel themselves.
- Li, N., Li, H., Wang, Y., Cao, L., & Zhan, X. (2020). Quantitative proteomics revealed energy metabolism pathway alterations in human epithelial ovarian carcinoma and their regulation by the antiparasite drug ivermectin: data interpretation in the context of 3P medicine. EPMA Journal, 11(4), 661-694.
For patients with advanced disease, drug resistance, or limited options, this type of integrative therapy can be worth exploring under medical supervision.
Mebendazole: Beyond Worm Treatment
Mebendazole (MBZ) has long been used to treat parasitic worm infections. In oncology research, it has shown the ability to target several hallmarks of cancer:
- Inhibits tubulin polymerization → prevents cancer cells from completing mitosis (cell division).
- Induces apoptosis → causes cancer cells to self-destruct via mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Suppresses angiogenesis → limits tumor growth by preventing the formation of new blood vessels.
Source: Chai, J. Y., Jung, B. K., & Hong, S. J. (2021). Albendazole and mebendazole as anti-parasitic and anti-cancer agents: an update. The Korean journal of parasitology, 59(3), 189.
What the studies say:
- Colorectal cancer: Growth inhibition through mitochondrial apoptosis and caspase-3 activation.
- Hegazy, S. K., El-Azab, G. A., Zakaria, F., Mostafa, M. F., & El-Ghoneimy, R. A. (2022). Mebendazole; from an anti-parasitic drug to a promising candidate for drug repurposing in colorectal cancer. Life Sciences, 299, 120536.
- Glioblastoma, melanoma, and non-small cell lung cancer: Preclinical studies have shown responsiveness to MBZ.
- Guerini, A. E., Triggiani, L., Maddalo, M., Bonù, M. L., Frassine, F., Baiguini, A., … & Buglione, M. (2019). Mebendazole as a candidate for drug repurposing in oncology: an extensive review of current literature. Cancers, 11(9), 1284.
- Synergy with chemotherapy: MBZ can enhance the effectiveness of agents like cisplatin without increasing toxicity.
- Guerini, A. E., Triggiani, L., Maddalo, M., Bonù, M. L., Frassine, F., Baiguini, A., … & Buglione, M. (2019). Mebendazole as a candidate for drug repurposing in oncology: an extensive review of current literature. Cancers, 11(9), 1284.
Ivermectin: The Multi-Targeted Adjunct
Best known for its role in treating parasitic infections, ivermectin (IVM) is now gaining traction as a multi-pathway cancer adjunct. Its proposed anti-cancer mechanisms include:
- Blocks WNT/β-catenin signaling → interferes with abnormal cell growth and inflammation.
- Inhibits mTOR & PAK1 pathways → reduces tumor-promoting inflammation and viral activity.
- Blocks P-glycoprotein drug pump → helps chemotherapy drugs remain inside cancer cells longer, countering drug resistance.
Source: Jiang, L., Sun, Y. J., Song, X. H., Sun, Y. Y., Yang, W. Y., Li, J., & Wu, Y. J. (2022). Ivermectin inhibits tumor metastasis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin/integrin β1/FAK signaling pathway. American Journal of Cancer Research, 12(10), 4502.Source: Jiang, L., Sun, Y. J., Song, X. H., Sun, Y. Y., Yang, W. Y., Li, J., & Wu, Y. J. (2022). Ivermectin inhibits tumor metastasis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin/integrin β1/FAK signaling pathway. American Journal of Cancer Research, 12(10), 4502.
What the studies say:
- Breast cancer: Induces cytostatic autophagy and growth inhibition by blocking PAK1/Akt/mTOR signaling.
- Dou, Q., Chen, H. N., Wang, K., Yuan, K., Lei, Y., Li, K., … & Huang, C. (2016). Ivermectin induces cytostatic autophagy by blocking the PAK1/Akt axis in breast cancer. Cancer research, 76(15), 4457-4469.
- Colorectal & lung cancer: Suppresses metastasis and proliferation via Wnt/β-catenin downregulation.
- Zhou, S., Wu, H., Ning, W., Wu, X., Xu, X., Ma, Y., … & Wang, J. (2021). Ivermectin has new application in inhibiting colorectal cancer cell growth. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 717529.
- Chemoresistant cancers: Reverses drug resistance by lowering P-glycoprotein expression and inhibiting EGFR/NF-κB signaling.
- Jiang, L., Wang, P., Sun, Y. J., & Wu, Y. J. (2019). Ivermectin reverses the drug resistance in cancer cells through EGFR/ERK/Akt/NF-κB pathway. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 38(1), 265.
Shared Mechanisms: Why They Work Well Together
When used strategically, mebendazole and ivermectin may complement each other because they share several cancer-targeting mechanisms:
Suppress cancer stem cells: addressing the “root” population of cells that can cause relapse.
- Trigger cell cycle arrest: halting tumor cell growth in the G2/M phase.
- Reduce inflammatory cytokines: including TNF-α and IL-6, which promote tumor progression.
- Impair glucose metabolism in tumor cells: starving cancer cells of their primary energy source.
Who Prescribes These Medications?
These medications are typically prescribed off-label by physicians experienced in integrative oncology, functional medicine, or naturopathic oncology. Some conventional oncologists may also consider them in clinical trials or compassionate-use scenarios.
Prescribers familiar with their use will:
- Review patient’s complete medical history, current treatments, and lab results.
- Determine if the patient is a candidate for adjunctive therapy with ivermectin, mebendazole, or both.
- Coordinate with the oncology team to avoid drug interactions or overlapping toxicities.
At Health Dimensions Clinical Pharmacy, we only compound or dispense these medications with a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber. Our pharmacists are available to collaborate with your healthcare team to ensure precise dosing and safe integration.
Cancer Therapies with Dr. Paul Anderson, NMD
Paul S. Anderson, ND is a nationally recognized educator and clinician who has decades of experience with cancer and complex chronic illness. As head of the interventional arm of a human trial funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Dr. Anderson oversaw research into integrative therapies for cancer patients. Dr. Anderson was the founder of a number of clinics specializing in the care of people with cancer and chronic illness. He is now focusing his efforts on training other physicians and on writing. He is the co-author of “Outside the Box Cancer Therapies” with Dr. Mark Stengler and the anthology “Success Breakthroughs” with Jack Canfield. His latest book is “Cancer: The Journey from Diagnosis to Empowerment”.
Key Takeaways:
Where does cancer fit today in terms of leading killers?
What causes cancer?
Are tests available to help prevent the development of cancer?
How do makers like nagalase and TGFb1 fit into a cancer evaluation?
What is the role of environmental toxicity, mold illness, and exposure to EMFs in cancer?
What types of microbes may play a role in the development of cancer?
Do breast implants increase the chances for cancer?
What options might be considered when one has a positive BRCA gene?
Why is pancreatic cancer so deadly?
Does BHRT increase or decrease rates of cancer?
Does obesity increase risk of cancer?
Is sun exposure cancer-promoting?
What role does autophagy play in cancer?
What supplements are commonly used in integrative cancer therapy?
Is it more important to boost or modulate the immune system?
Is there a role for oxidative and oxygen therapies such as ozone, EWOT, and HBOT in cancer treatment?
How does cancer provide a new beginning?
Why is it important to not perceive self-care as selfish?
What to Expect if You’re Prescribed Ivermectin or Mebendazole for Cancer
- A Layered Protocol
As Dr. Paul Anderson, a naturopathic oncologist, notes:
“We use ivermectin as part of a layered protocol. It’s not a magic bullet, but in the right clinical context—with oxidative support or other metabolic therapies—it can be valuable.”
Expect these drugs to be part of a broader plan that may include dietary changes, supplemental therapies, and other cancer-directed treatments.
Monitoring
Your prescriber will likely track blood counts, liver function, and tumor markers. Some integrative oncologists also monitor inflammation markers and circulating tumor cells.Possible Side Effects
While generally well-tolerated, potential side effects can include mild GI upset, dizziness, or rash. These are typically manageable and far less severe than many chemotherapy drugs.- Patience & Realistic Goals
These therapies aim to support and enhance your existing cancer care—not replace it. Potential benefits may be subtle, such as stabilizing disease progression, enhancing chemo efficacy, or improving quality of life.
Why Choose Health Dimensions Clinical Pharmacy for Compounded Oncology Medications?
When it comes to advanced cancer care, quality control and expertise matter. As a PCAB-accredited compounding pharmacy, we ensure that every prescription meets the highest standards for purity, potency, and safety.
Here’s why patients and prescribers choose us:
- Oncology-specific compounding expertise.
- Collaboration with integrative and conventional oncology teams.
- Strict sourcing from FDA-registered suppliers.
- Licensure to ship to multiple states, making access easier for patients and providers.
- Patient education & follow-up to ensure safe use.
The Bottom Line
Ivermectin and mebendazole represent a fascinating frontier in cancer care—one where old drugs get new life as potential tools in the fight against cancer. Backed by emerging research and guided by experienced prescribers, these medications may help slow disease progression, enhance standard treatments, and improve patient outcomes.
If you or your loved one is exploring integrative oncology options, talk to your healthcare provider about whether these repurposed antiparasitic drugs might be appropriate.
Practitioners, reach out and connect with our team to provide your patients with innovative options when addressing cancer.
We ship prescriptions to MI, OH, IN, IL, FL, WI, MN
References:
Bai, R. Y., Staedtke, V., & Riggins, G. J. (2011). Antiparasitic mebendazole shows survival benefit in two preclinical models of glioblastoma multiforme. Neuro-Oncology, 13(9), 974–982. https://doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/nor077
Doudican, N. A., Rodriguez, A., Osman, I., & Orlow, S. J. (2008). Mebendazole induces apoptosis in melanoma cells via Bcl-2 inactivation. Clinical Cancer Research, 14(5), 1721–1726. https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-07-1456
Dou, Q., Chen, H. N., Wang, K., Yuan, K., Lei, Y., Li, K., … & Tang, D. (2019). Ivermectin induces cytostatic autophagy by blocking PAK1/Akt/mTOR signaling in breast cancer. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 514(3), 851–857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.04.189
Guerini, A. E., Triggiani, L., Maddalo, M., Bonù, M. L., Frassine, F., Baiguini, A., … & Buglione, M. (2019). Mebendazole as a candidate for drug repurposing in oncology: an extensive review of current literature. Cancers, 11(9), 1284.
Heidary, F., Gharebaghi, R., Aghebati-Maleki, L., & Yousefi, M. (2020). Ivermectin: A systematic review from antiviral effects to COVID-19 complementary regimen. European Journal of Pharmacology, 173251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173251
Juarez, M., Schcolnik-Cabrera, A., & Dueñas-Gonzalez, A. (2018). The multitargeted drug ivermectin: From an antiparasitic agent to a repositioned cancer drug. Pharmacological Research, 137, 187–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2018.10.020
Li, N., Li, H., Wang, Y., Cao, L., & Zhan, X. (2020). Quantitative proteomics revealed energy metabolism pathway alterations in human epithelial ovarian carcinoma and their regulation by the antiparasite drug ivermectin: data interpretation in the context of 3P medicine. EPMA Journal, 11(4), 661-694.
Liu, J., He, D., Cheng, L., Yu, Y., & Wang, Y. (2021). Ivermectin inhibits the growth of colorectal cancer cells by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 652885. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.652885
Lotfalizadeh, N., Gharib, A., Hajjafari, A., Borji, H., & Bayat, Z. (2022). The anticancer potential of ivermectin: Mechanisms of action and therapeutic implications. Journal of Lab Animal Research, 1(1), 52-59.
Melotti, A., Mas, C., Kuciak, M., Lorente-Trigos, A., Borges, I., & Ruiz i Altaba, A. (2021). The anti-parasitic drug ivermectin inhibits hedgehog pathway activity and cancer stem cell growth. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, 87(6), 827–839. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-021-04271-1
Nygren, P., Fryknäs, M., Agerup, B., & Larsson, R. (2013). Repositioning of the anthelmintic drug mebendazole for the treatment of colon cancer. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 139(12), 2133–2140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-013-1539-4
Reis, M. M., Pereira, T. C., Gonçalves, F. D., & Lima, S. S. (2020). Repurposing antiparasitic drugs in oncology: A promising and disruptive approach to cancer treatment. Drug Discovery Today, 25(11), 1985–1993. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drudis.2020.08.011
Rujimongkon, K., Adchariyasakulchai, P., Meeprasertskul, P., & Ketchart, W. (2025). Ivermectin inhibits epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition via Wnt signaling in endocrine‑resistant breast cancer cells. PLOS ONE, 20(6), e0326742. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0326742
Tang, M., Hu, X., Wang, Y., Yao, X., Zhang, W., Yu, C., … & Fang, Q. (2021). Ivermectin, a potential anticancer drug derived from an antiparasitic drug. Pharmacological research, 163, 105207.
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