Repurposed drugs for cancers

Dr. William Makis MD. Radiologist, Oncologist, Cancer Researcher, Author of 100+ publications. Top Substack Author. (00:00) The speakers introduce the concept of repurposed drugs—medications with a known, often decades-long safety record that were originally designed for one condition but may work against cancer. They point out how these drugs are inexpensive, widely manufactured, and sometimes unexpectedly effective. (02:03) Ivermectin (an antiparasitic) is highlighted for its extensive safety data (billions of doses given). Researchers became interested in it for COVID-19 but then discovered a large body of preclinical research on its potential anticancer properties. (03:44) Discussion of Ivermectin’s possible anticancer mechanisms: it can affect cancer cell metabolism, inhibit angiogenesis, block certain enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases), and potentially curb metastasis. Though most research is preclinical, there is growing interest in moving toward human trials. (07:07) Another category of antiparasitic drugs, fenbendazole and mebendazole, is introduced. Both have shown promise in animal studies and case reports for cancer, including stage IV cancers. Mebendazole is already FDA-approved for human use (as a deworming medication), and thus more clinical trials exist for it. (10:04) Fenbendazole gained attention after an anecdotal case (Joe Tippens) claimed remission from terminal lung cancer. Stanford University has since published case reports of patients who also tried fenbendazole and experienced significant improvement. (16:39) The speaker shifts focus to “turbo cancers”—aggressive malignancies that seem to grow or recur rapidly. They note multiple anecdotal stories of patients taking Ivermectin, fenbendazole, or mebendazole (sometimes with chemotherapy) and reporting tumor shrinkage, stabilized disease, or unexpected remission. (22:45) The importance of a patient’s right to try alternative or repurposed drugs, particularly when they have late-stage or terminal cancer, is underscored. The speakers criticize standard oncology protocols for not exploring out-of-guideline options even when conventional treatments fail. (29:19) Synergy with chemotherapy: Patients who combine Ivermectin (sometimes at higher doses like 1 mg/kg/day) and fenbendazole/mebendazole with their chemo often report fewer chemo side effects and more dramatic tumor responses. However, many hesitate to tell their oncologists for fear of being dismissed or threatened. (44:02) Safety profiles: Fenbendazole and mebendazole occasionally cause transient liver enzyme elevations, but overall demonstrate excellent tolerability. Personalized regimens (e.g., alternating fenbendazole and mebendazole, adjusting doses) are used to minimize side effects and maximize potential anticancer benefits. (55:09) Additional supportive treatments: The speaker mentions that vitamin D may be protective against some cancers, emphasizing that oncologists often overlook vitamin D testing and supplementation, yet it could be crucial as part of a broader integrative cancer treatment approach.