Originally used to treat parasitic infections by binding to b-tubulin microtubule subunits and disrupting their polymerization, fenbendazole (or mebendazole) may starve cancer cells of nutrients by collapsing the cell’s inner structure. This may make it a useful treatment for pancreatic cancer.
To investigate the acquisition process of general and false cancer information among cancer patients, we conducted a focus group interview with 21 lung cancer patients.
Glucose Interference
Fenbendazole is a widely used antiparasitic drug that targets various gastrointestinal parasites (pinworms, giardia, roundworms, hookworms, and Taenia solium) and some pulmonary parasites (lungworms). It has also been reported to have in vitro and in vivo (animal model) antitumor effects [1].
Full Fact spoke to a specialist cancer information nurse who explained that while fenbendazole does slow tumour growth in cell cultures and animal models, it has not been proven to cure cancer. It is therefore not recommended as a cancer treatment and patients should discuss any plans to self-administer it with their doctor.
We examined the impact of hematocrit interference on glucose measurements in three different meters (On Call Platinum, On Call Plus, and OneTouch Ultra 2) by performing experiments with each meter at a variety of hematocrit levels. Glucose values obtained at a low hematocrit level showed little influence from the fenbendazole concentration, while those at higher hematocrit levels were significantly affected. These data indicate that fenbendazole can be used without significant impact on hematocrit-related glucose measurements.
Inhibition of Tumor Growth
In cell culture and animal models, fenbendazole blocks tumor growth by interfering with the formation of microtubules, which are proteins that form the protein scaffold in cells. Textbook depictions of cells often show amorphous bags of liquid, but the cell establishes shape and structure through the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is comprised of the microtubules, which are themselves made of a protein called tubulin.
In addition to its anti-tumor effects, fenbendazole increases necroptosis, an alternative type of programmed cell death that kills cancer cells. Treatment of colorectal cancer cells with fenbendazole increased the levels of several proteins involved in necroptosis, including phospho-receptor-interacting protein kinase (pRIP), phosphor-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (pMLKL), and caspase-8.
Febendazole also interferes with the cell cycle, blocking progression from G2 to mitosis. Inhibition of tubulin polymerization may inhibit the release of cyclin B1 and prevent the onset of anaphase. Anaphase is the phase in cell division where chromosomes are lined up for evenly separation.
Inhibition of Cell Cycle Progression
In cell culture and animal models, fenbendazole has been shown to slow tumor growth by interfering with the formation of microtubules. These are part of the protein scaffolding that gives cells shape and structure. It appears that cancer cells may use these structures for their own growth, whereas normal body cells don’t.
These experiments also showed that fenbendazole can inhibit tumor growth in 5-fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer cells. These results were confirmed by flow cytometry assays, which demonstrated that fenbendazole can induce apoptosis in these cells. It can also cause apoptosis by decreasing the expression of autophagy-related proteins such as LC3 and Atg7 and by suppressing the activity of GPX4.
A specialist cancer information nurse at Cancer Research UK told Full Fact that there is insufficient evidence that fenbendazole cures cancer. She said that the drug hasn’t gone through clinical trials in humans to find out whether it’s a safe and effective treatment for people with cancer.
Inhibition of B Cell Activation
There is evidence that the dog wormer ingredient, fenbendazole, may suppress cancer cells in cell cultures and animals. It appears to work by destabilizing microtubules, which give structure to all living things. This is similar to the way that other cancer drugs act, such as paclitaxel and vincristine.
However, this doesn’t mean that fenbendazole can cure cancer in humans. There is insufficient evidence that it can do so, and the drug hasn’t been tested in randomized clinical trials.
A specialist cancer information nurse for Cancer Research UK said that “there’s insufficient evidence that fenbendazole can beat cancer”. She pointed out that Tippens’ anecdotal experience doesn’t necessarily apply to other people and there could be other reasons for his apparent remission, such as the conventional treatments he received.fenbendazole cancer treatment