Fenbendazole For Pancreatic Cancer
Fenbendazole is an antiparasitic drug used to treat parasites (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and some tapeworms) in animals. It’s the primary ingredient in the Joe Tippens Protocol, a treatment plan for pancreatic cancer that’s gone viral online and led to shortages of the drug at pharmacies. While some studies suggest that fenbendazole can slow cancer cell growth in lab cultures and animals, it’s important to note that there isn’t sufficient evidence from randomized clinical trials that it can cure pancreatic cancer.
Fenbendazole interferes with the microtubules that form the mitotic spindle that separates chromosomes during cell division. By interfering with the function of these proteins, fenbendazole can stop the separation of chromosomes and prevent the cells from splitting at anaphase (see image below).
Another mechanism by which fenbendazole may work is by affecting certain signaling pathways that promote cell survival. For example, one study found that fenbendazole inhibited the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase alpha/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, which is involved in promoting cell proliferation and cellular stress.
Other research suggests that fenbendazole can also stabilize the p53 protein, a tumor suppressor that’s mutated in 90% of pancreatic cancers. Additionally, fenbendazole can cause apoptosis in cancer cells by regulating the pro-apoptotic factors BRCA1 and BRCA2. More research is needed to determine whether these effects are enough to help people with pancreatic cancer. Until then, patients should discuss their treatment options with their doctors. If they are interested in participating in a clinical trial, the National Cancer Institute has information about pancreatic cancer clinical trials. fenbendazole for pancreatic cancer