Fenbendazole, more commonly referred to as “fenben”, is an antihelminthic medication that is typically used to treat parasites and worms (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms) in animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, sheep, cattle, and horses. However, it is also being touted as an effective cancer treatment method by several patients. This is largely due to the anecdotal evidence of Joe Tippens, who claims that his small cell lung cancer went into remission after he started taking fenbendazole in combination with other treatments.
There is very little research into fenbendazole and cancer, but it has been shown to inhibit the proper growth of microtubules, which provide structure to cells, in cancerous cells. This is an established mechanism of action for several cytotoxic anticancer drugs.
Fenbendazole is a benzimidazole with broad-spectrum antiparasitic activity and exhibits antineoplastic activity in vitro. It exerts its cytotoxic effects by binding to and inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin, a component of microtubules. Microtubules play a critical role in the mitotic process by connecting the centrosome to the spindle during cell division. Therefore, inhibition of tubulin polymerization may cause a failure to reach metaphase, resulting in mitotic catastrophe and cell death.
The effect of fenbendazole on the tumor growth and radiation response of EMT6 mammary carcinoma in vivo was assessed using three daily doses of 50 mg/kg of fenbendazole administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to tumor-bearing mice. The appearance, behavior, and weights of the mice were observed throughout the course of this experiment. When tumor volume reached 1000 mm3, the mice were euthanized and necropsied. No differences in the number of lung metastases were observed between fenbendazole-treated and control groups.
Treatment of EMT6 mammary tumors with fenbendazole alone or in combination regimens did not significantly alter the growth rate of the tumors or increase the sensitivity to radiation. In addition, fenbendazole did not affect the hypoxia-sensitive cytotoxicity of the nitroheterocyclic chemotherapeutic agents and taxanes in the EMT6 cell line or in a model of solid tumors in mice.Treatment of EMT6 mammary tumors with fenbendazole alone or in combination regimens did not significantly alter the growth rate of the tumors or increase the sensitivity to radiation. In addition, fenbendazole did not affect the hypoxia-sensitive cytotoxicity of the nitroheterocyclic chemotherapeutic agents and taxanes in the EMT6 cell line or in a model of solid tumors in mice.fenbendazole for cancer
