top of page
Writer's pictureLynn Matthews

Ivermectin and Cancer: Unlocking the Potential of Repurposed Drugs

For decades, the fight against cancer has focused on developing expensive, cutting-edge therapies. Yet, a growing body of research suggests that hope might lie in an unexpected place: repurposed drugs. These are medications originally designed for other conditions that have demonstrated surprising potential against cancer. Among these, ivermectin, widely known as an antiparasitic drug, stands out for its ability to inhibit cancer proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis while promoting programmed cell death in tumor cells.


Ivermectin’s Promise Against Cancer

Research highlights ivermectin’s antitumor effects across various cancers, including breast, gastric, and colorectal cancers. By regulating multiple signaling pathways—such as PAK1 kinase—and influencing the tumor microenvironment, ivermectin doesn't just attack cancer cells directly. It also activates the immune system, encouraging it to target cancer cells more effectively. This dual mechanism of action could revolutionize how we think about cancer therapy.


For example, studies in breast cancer show that ivermectin can promote immunogenic cell death, altering the tumor microenvironment to make it less hospitable for cancer growth. In gastric cancer, it inhibits Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a critical driver of cancer progression. The implications are profound, yet ivermectin remains largely overlooked in mainstream oncology.


Other Repurposed Drugs in Cancer Therapy

Ivermectin isn’t alone in its potential. Several other drugs initially developed for non-cancer purposes are now showing promise in oncology:

  • Metformin: A common diabetes drug, metformin has been found to reduce cancer risk and slow tumor growth by targeting metabolic pathways.

  • Aspirin: Long known for its cardiovascular benefits, aspirin also appears to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

  • Disulfiram (Antabuse): A medication for alcohol dependence, disulfiram disrupts cancer cell metabolism and enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

  • Chloroquine: An antimalarial drug, chloroquine can inhibit autophagy in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to treatment.


    The Overlap Between Parasites and Cancer Cells

    Critics often dismiss the potential of drugs like ivermectin in cancer treatment, insisting, “It’s just for parasites.” But a closer look at the biology of both cancer cells and parasites reveals striking similarities that make this argument shortsighted.


    What Parasites and Cancer Cells Have in Common

    • Rapid Proliferation: Both cancer cells and parasites reproduce quickly, overwhelming their environments to ensure survival.

    • Immune Evasion: Just as parasites evade the host's immune defenses to persist, cancer cells develop mechanisms to avoid detection and destruction.

    • Nutrient Hijacking: Cancer cells and parasites are voracious, stealing nutrients from their host to fuel their growth. This metabolic theft can weaken the host over time.

    • Survival in Hostile Environments: Both thrive under adverse conditions, such as low oxygen levels or acidic environments.

    • Drug Resistance: Parasites and cancer cells are notorious for evolving resistance to treatments, presenting ongoing challenges in medical research.

    • Evasion of Programmed Cell Death: While normal cells are programmed to die if they become defective, both cancer cells and parasites use sophisticated strategies to bypass this safeguard.


    Given these shared traits, it’s not far-fetched to consider that antiparasitic drugs could disrupt cancer cells. These drugs target pathways and mechanisms that cancer cells also exploit, opening the door for new therapeutic possibilities.


The RFK Jr. Connection: A Call to Action

With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taking on a new advisory role in the Trump administration, as the head of the US Department of Health and Human Services. there’s an unprecedented opportunity to push for a bold new approach to cancer research. Known for his willingness to question the status quo, RFK Jr. could spearhead an initiative to investigate and fast-track clinical trials for repurposed drugs.


This approach offers multiple benefits:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Repurposed drugs are often affordable and already FDA-approved for other uses, reducing the cost and time required for approval in cancer treatment.

  • Accessibility: These drugs are widely available, potentially making groundbreaking treatments accessible to underserved communities.

  • Innovation: Prioritizing repurposed drugs challenges the pharmaceutical industry to think beyond profit margins and focus on patient outcomes.


A Future Worth Fighting For

Cancer continues to devastate families, including my own. Knowing that affordable, readily available drugs like ivermectin could offer even a glimmer of hope makes it imperative to act. The federal government must invest in research and overcome bureaucratic inertia to bring these treatments to light.


Let’s call on RFK Jr. to make this a cornerstone of his work. With the right leadership and public support, we can transform these overlooked medications into life-saving treatments for millions.


Links used in the article:

Metaphormin –  Tumor Prevention Treatment Esophageal Cancer

 

Asprin may help cut colorectal cancer risk

 

Antabuse in Radiation and Cancer Biology

 

Chloroquine in Cancer


Cancer cells and Parasites

Luke 12:2-3, that the secrets will be uncovered, the truth will come forth, and God's thought about every behavior and action will be vindicated.

49 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page