There’s no evidence that fenbendazole cures cancer. The drug is an ingredient in dog wormers and has been shown to kill parasites, but there’s no evidence it can cure cancer in people.
A man from the US named Joe Tippens claimed taking fenbendazole along with several other supplements cured his lung cancer in 2016. His anecdotal experience spread after it was published on social media, but the claim has not been validated with randomized trials involving a large number of patients.
Some studies have suggested fenbendazole may suppress cancer cells outside living things (in vitro) and in mice, but there’s no proof it works for humans. The drug appears to work by stopping the proper growth of microtubules in cancer cells. Microtubules provide structure to a cell and are required for the even separation of chromosomes during mitosis, which occurs when cells divide.
In a study on 5-fluorouracil resistant colorectal cancer cells, fenbendazole showed it could inhibit cell viability, increase apoptosis and promote ferroptosis. The drugs also induced autophagy by upregulating Beclin-1 expression in the cells.
However, Health Feedback has reviewed studies on the use of antiparasitic medications as potential cancer treatments and found no evidence they can prevent recurrence of established cancers in humans. Research on turning test results into an approved drug is a long road. Until that happens, it’s important to discuss any unusual claims with your doctor.