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A widely used deworming medication for pets may offer a new potential treatment for cancer in humans, although doctors warn about the lack of conclusive evidence. Fenbendazole, marketed under brand names like Panacur and Safe-Guard, is typically used to treat parasitic infections in dogs and cats, including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and giardia.
Recent studies have raised hope that the drug could also serve as a “potentially safe and effective” cancer treatment. In a recent video, Dr. John Campbell, a former nurse educator in the UK, reviewed studies from 2021 which indicated that three cancer patients saw their tumors shrink after using fenbendazole.
He stated: “Drug regulators need to consider this urgently as people are dying from cancer. If something proves safe and effective, it should be swiftly approved for human use.”
Several scientific papers in the past few years have explored fenbendazole’s potential in treating cancer. A 2020 study from Tennessee showed the drug slowed lung cancer progression in mice, while a 2023 report reviewed six human cases where tumors reduced in size after taking fenbendazole, suggesting the drug could be a promising new cancer treatment.
Anecdotal reports, especially from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), further suggest fenbendazole’s potential, with some users claiming it “cured” their cancer. However, experts remain cautious, noting that the drug has not undergone large-scale human clinical trials, which are necessary to prove its safety and effectiveness.
The drug is not without risks. In South Korea, where fenbendazole use surged in 2019, some patients developed serious side effects, including intestinal necrosis. A British man reportedly died from liver failure after using the drug for its anti-cancer properties.
Dr. Jason Williams, who specializes in experimental cancer treatments, warned: “Fenbendazole may be helpful in some cases, but it is a double-edged sword. If misused, it could even promote cancer growth.”
While fenbendazole is available over-the-counter in liquid, powder, and paste forms for pets, it is not intended for cancer treatment in animals. In pets, the drug works by disrupting cell division in parasites, potentially affecting cancer cells in humans as well.
Fenbendazole is part of the benzimidazole class, which includes Mebendazole, a human deworming drug that has been explored as a potential cancer treatment. Mebendazole has shown promise in some trials, including a 2022 study on advanced colon cancer patients. However, other studies have raised concerns, such as a 2021 trial where patients experienced cancer progression while taking mebendazole.
While there is growing interest in fenbendazole, it has not been tested in clinical trials for humans, and approval for cancer treatment would require extensive studies and FDA review. The process is costly and time-consuming, potentially taking years and millions of dollars to complete.
Caroline Geraghty, a cancer information nurse at Cancer Research UK, cautioned: “There is insufficient evidence to support fenbendazole as a cancer cure. It has not undergone clinical trials to prove its safety or effectiveness.”
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, online testimonials continue to share personal stories of cancer remission attributed to fenbendazole. Some claim that the drug helped them or their loved ones overcome terminal cancer, but experts advise cancer patients to approach such claims with caution and consult their doctor before considering alternative treatments.
