The Accidental Discovery of Fenbendazole’s Anti-Cancer Properties

In a serendipitous twist, Fenbendazole, a common, inexpensive anti-parasitic drug used by veterinarians and zoos all across the country, was accidentally discovered to have anti-cancer properties during a study on brain tumors in mice.

Researchers found — completely by accident — that brain cancer tumors would not grow in mice taking the anti-parasitic medication, Fenbendazole. A scientist working with cancer-affected mice was forced to deal with a parasite problem infecting her experimental animals. Much to her surprise, the anti-parasitic medication she used to treat the mice, Fenbendazole, halted the growth of cancerous tumors, ruining her experiment but giving us an entirely new avenue for combatting cancer.

How Does Fenbendazole Work?

Fenbendazole (commonly known as Fenben) elevates p53 tumor suppressor levels, a crucial protein that plays a vital role in regulating cell division and preventing the growth of cancerous cells. By enhancing p53 activity, Fenben helps to inhibit the proliferation of tumors. Additionally, it interferes with the metabolic pathways of cancer cells, effectively blocking their ability to utilize glucose—a primary energy source for their rapid growth. This deprivation of glucose starves the cancer cells, hindering their ability to survive and spread, making Fenben a powerful tool in cancer therapy.

Another way Fenben combats cancer is by targeting the microtubules within the cancer cells themselves. Microtubules are tiny, tube-like structures that help cells maintain their shape, divide, and facilitate intracellular transport. In cancer cells, they play a key role in allowing the rapid division that leads to tumor growth and spread. Fenbendazole interrupts microtubule function by binding to proteins that make up these structures, leading them to break down and prevent cancer cells from dividing… and leading to their eventual demise.

The Parasite-Cancer Connection

The misconception that parasites are only a problem in third-world countries is dangerously outdated. In the U.S., parasites are prevalent in soil, water, and even through pet interactions. Once these parasites invade the body, they can cause a multitude of health issues, including a potential connection to cancer.

Renowned parasitologist Dr. Hermann Bueno once remarked to me, “I have never seen a case of cancer or AIDS in my whole career that didn’t have a parasitic involvement.” This insight aligns with findings from the CDC and other research linking parasitic infections to cancer development.

Could this explain why antiparasitic drugs like Fenbendazole show such promising results in cancer treatment? The evidence suggests a strong connection, offering new avenues for hope in the battle against cancer.

Joe Tippens’ Story: How A $7 Dog Medicine Beat Terminal Lung Cancer

I interviewed Joe Tippens, an Oklahoma businessman who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and given just three months to live. A veterinarian friend tipped him off about a cancer research experiment involving Fenbendazole, an over-the-counter deworming medicine that had unexpectedly cured cancer in a group of experimental mice. With nothing left to lose and everything to gain, Joe began taking Fenbendazole along with curcumin and Vitamin E, creating what’s now known as the “Joe Tippens Protocol.” Miraculously, three and a half months later, a scan revealed he was completely cancer-free. Needless to say, both Joe was overjoyed and his doctors were amazed.

 

Cancer Survivor Sharon McDougall: From Stage 4 Colon Cancer to No Malignancy Found

Sharon McDougall, a registered nurse diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer, was preparing for the end of her life until she discovered the Joe Tippens Protocol. After incorporating Fenbendazole into her regimen, a scan just a few months later showed no signs of malignancy, leading to an astonishing recovery. Learn more about her story HERE.

Is Fenbendazole Right for You?

Fenbendazole’s potential as a repurposed, inexpensive drug offers a unique and accessible option for those seeking alternative or complementary cancer treatments.

Before incorporating Fenbendazole into your cancer protocol, you’ll want to thoroughly research and weigh the options to make the best decision for your health. While it has shown promising results, each individual’s situation is unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another. Always consult with a trusted healthcare professional to ensure that any potential treatment plan aligns with your specific needs and circumstances.

 

Resources:

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Semkova S, Nikolova B, Tsoneva I, Antov G, Ivanova D, Angelov A, Zhelev Z, Bakalova R. Redox-mediated Anticancer Activity of Anti-parasitic Drug Fenbendazole in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells. Anticancer Res. 2023 Mar;43(3):1207-1212. doi: 10.21873/anticanres.16267. PMID: 36854536.

Elayapillai S, Ramraj S, Benbrook DM, Bieniasz M, Wang L, Pathuri G, Isingizwe ZR, Kennedy AL, Zhao YD, Lightfoot S, Hunsucker LA, Gunderson CC. Potential and mechanism of mebendazole for treatment and maintenance of ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2021 Jan;160(1):302-311. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.10.010. Epub 2020 Oct 31. PMID: 33131904; PMCID: PMC8820236.

Cray C, Altman NH. An Update on the Biologic Effects of Fenbendazole. Comp Med. 2022 Aug 1;72(4):215-219. doi: 10.30802/AALAS-CM-22-000006. Epub 2022 Jun 28. PMID: 35764389; PMCID: PMC9413524.

Sultana T, Jan U, Lee JI. Double Repositioning: Veterinary Antiparasitic to Human Anticancer. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Apr 13;23(8):4315. doi: 10.3390/ijms23084315. PMID: 35457127; PMCID: PMC9029030.

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Dogra N, Kumar A, Mukhopadhyay T. Fenbendazole acts as a moderate microtubule destabilizing agent and causes cancer cell death by modulating multiple cellular pathways. Sci Rep. 2018 Aug 9;8(1):11926. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-30158-6. PMID: 30093705; PMCID: PMC6085345.

Meco D, Attinà G, Mastrangelo S, Navarra P, Ruggiero A. Emerging Perspectives on the Antiparasitic Mebendazole as a Repurposed Drug for the Treatment of Brain Cancers. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jan 10;24(2):1334. doi: 10.3390/ijms24021334. PMID: 36674870; PMCID: PMC9862092.

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Surprise Finding Yields a Possible Tumor-Fighting Drug (Nov 11, 2014)

News Release: Johns Hopkins Study: Anti-Parasitic Drug Slows Pancreatic Cancer in Mice (Aug 3 2021)

 

 

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