Fenbendezole: Anti-Cancer Properties
Cancer remains the leading health concern for most people, with over 2 million new diagnoses and 600,000 deaths expected in the United States this year alone. Finding ways to effectively prevent, treat, and manage various cancers continues to be a top priority for doctors and medical professionals. In this article, we will be highlighting the emerging hope in cancer research that comes from initial research on two unconventional treatments: Fenbendazole (FENBEN) and Artemisinin. Before we dive in, remember that this article provides information, not advice. Those seeking medical advice should consult a physician in person.
What is Fenbendazole?
Fenbendazole is closely related to mebendazole, a pinworm treatment for children that’s known to be very expensive. A more affordable alternative is fenbendazole, typically sold as a dog dewormer available over the counter. While this medication has veterinary origins, it has also been used successfully by many people.
First introduced in 1974, fenbendazole is now distributed worldwide. Besides eliminating parasites, studies reveal fenbendazole also shows promise as an anti-cancer agent. So far, some doctors have witnessed fenbendazole yield positive outcomes for patients with minimal side effects. However, it’s important to remember that no medication is free of potential adverse reactions.
Research indicates fenbendazole can spur tumor regression across various cancer types. Additionally, it appears compatible with traditional approaches like chemotherapy and radiation when used alongside them. In other words, this commonly used anti-parasitic compound shows promise as a supplemental anti-cancer therapy. The potential to repurpose an already approved, accessible medication represents an exciting advancement for cancer treatments.
Similar to many chemotherapy drugs, fenbendazole can fight cancer cells, but with less toxicity and fewer adverse effects for patients. However, clinical trials in humans are still lacking, and it’s improbable that pharmaceutical companies will invest in high-quality, placebo-controlled studies.
Available over-the-counter in capsule form, fenbendazole has limited absorption through the gut, so taking capsules with food helps increase bioavailability. Some people open capsules and sprinkle the contents onto meals directly. Most patients can take fenbendazole without issues, though less than 5% report mild stomach discomfort on higher doses.
Who is Joe Tippens?
Among cancer patients and caregivers, the name Joe Tippens is likely familiar. Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, Tippens was given only a few months to live. He took the dog dewormer fenbendazole with CBD oil, curcumin, and vitamin E, which was inspired by a scientist's account using the canine cancer drug. Remarkably, his "Joe Tippens Protocol" proved successful, and he remains cancer-free. His story sparked interest in exploring fenbendazole for human cancers.
The initial Joe Tippens Protocol entails taking fenbendazole for three consecutive days, followed by four days off, then repeating the cycle. Unlike many medications, tolerance does not seem to develop with extended fenbendazole use, allowing for indefinite administration if needed. The protocol also advises combining fenbendazole with other things that are believed to enhance efficacy, namely milk thistle, curcumin, and CBD oil.
How Does Fenbendazole Work?
Fenbendazole eliminates parasites by inhibiting the production of microtubules, which are structural components of cells that enable intracellular transport. This microtubule disruption also applies to cancer cells, which rely on these structures to sustain their rapid, uncontrolled division. Essentially, fenbendazole stops mitosis by the same mechanism that kills parasites.
Fenbendazole attacks malignancies through several key pathways:
1. Triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death). It does this by arresting the cell cycle via microtubule disruption.
2. Restricting cancer cell glucose uptake. High glucose consumption fuels uncontrolled tumor growth, as seen in PET scans demonstrating the Warburg effect of aerobic glycolysis. Fenbendazole appears to limit this key energy source by reducing glucose transporters and the hexokinase 2 enzyme. This starves cells of division-enabling sugars.
3. Reactivating the tumor suppressor p53 gene. Fenbendazole restores p53 function, which is a strong tumor suppressor. Humans don’t have much of this gene, but fenbendazole helps activate it.
Additionally, malignant cells seem unable to develop resistance to fenbendazole with prolonged use, unlike traditional chemotherapy drugs. This enables long-term administration without loss of efficacy.
A major way cancer cells develop chemoresistance is through P-glycoproteins— special pumps expelling anti-cancer drugs from the cell before they can exert effects. However, research shows malignant cells do not identify fenbendazole as a compound to eject via these pumps. So unlike other agents, fenbendazole remains inside cancer cells. By avoiding efflux by P-glycoproteins, fenbendazole can retain its potency long-term.
Fenbendazole Protocols
For active malignancies, www.fenbendazole.com suggests 444mg of fenbendazole capsules daily, with one day per week off. Tolerance is unlikely, but periodic rest periods may be beneficial. To enhance effects, adding 25mg CBD oil before bed is recommended. Strengthening the regimen with 600mg of curcumin and 250mg of milk thistle (take both twice daily with food) is also advised. Absorption improves when fenbendazole is ingested during or after meals.
Complementary Cancer Treatment:
222mg fenbendazole capsule daily after a fatty meal
600mg curcumin capsule twice daily with breakfast and lunch
25mg CBD oil, 1-2 drops under the tongue before bed
Cancer Relapse Prevention:
222mg fenbendazole capsule once daily after a fatty meal, taken 3 days a week
600mg curcumin capsule twice daily with breakfast and lunch
Milk thistle
25mg CBD oil, 1-2 drops under the tongue before bed
Monitor liver and kidney function tests
Fenbendazole Therapy Tips:
May take 1-4 months to demonstrate anti-cancer effects
Typically compatible with chemotherapy, radiation, surgery
Continue regimen even if cancer improves; tumors recur easily without ongoing treatment, especially aggressive ones
Monitor relevant tumor markers/scans to assess regression
Take with food to improve absorption
Side effects very unlikely; diarrhea possible with extremely high doses
Pause treatment if liver enzymes rise and resume after a 2 week break
May boost tumor radiosensitivity, improving radiation efficacy
Artemisinin for Cancer?
Another anti-cancer compound is artemisinin, derived from the Chinese herb Sweet Wormwood that’s been used for centuries to treat infections and inflammation. This inexpensive, well-tolerated drug with low toxicity and no development of resistance also shows cancer-fighting promise.
Unlike fenbendazole, artemisinin leverages iron throughout cancer cells to form free radicals that kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. When iron and artemisinin meet within malignant cells, these atoms selectively attack cancer cells.
For detailed guidance on specific artemisinin protocols, we recommend consulting your doctor for step-by-step recommendations. Typically, 400-800 milligrams daily for 6-12 months has displayed safety and efficacy.
Final Thoughts
While fenbendazole and artemisinin show promise as supplemental cancer therapies, it’s imperative to have open and honest conversations with your oncologist before incorporating alternative methods into a treatment plan. Though initial research is encouraging, large-scale clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy in humans are still lacking for both compounds. Furthermore, neither fenbendazole nor artemisinin have FDA approval for cancer treatment at this time.
As with any medical therapy, risks and benefits must be weighed carefully on an individual basis under a physician's supervision. With an integrative approach that combines conventional and complementary modalities, we hope to expand and improve therapeutic options against cancer. Through further research, we will gain greater clarity on which supplemental regimens may benefit which patients, allowing for personalized, integrative care for those battling cancer. An open-minded approach gives us the best chance to overcome this devastating disease.
For those interested in learning more about the research, here are two relevant resources:
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