The antiparasitic drug fenbendazole, which is a type of benzimidazole, has been linked to an improved prognosis in people with pancreatic cancer. Researchers think it may help block the growth of cancer cells by interfering with microtubules, which are structures that help cells grow and divide. In a study published in 2018 in Scientific Reports, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that fenbendazole, along with other benzimidazole carbamates such as metronidazole and albendazole, could prevent the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells in the laboratory (in vitro).

Another study found that fenbendazole can kill colorectal cancer cells by targeting the microtubules that they use to grow. Specifically, it slows down the process of cell division and stops the formation of new proteins that can make cancer cells grow.

A different study found that fenbendazole causes the death of 5-fluorouracil-resistant SNU-C5 and SNU-C5/5-FUR CRC cells through multiple pathways, including p53-dependent and -independent apoptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy. The authors also note that fenbendazole caused mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, decreased glucose uptake and expression of GLUT transporters, and reduced expression of the protein hexokinase II, which helps cancer cells grow.

But it’s important to note that a person’s prognosis depends on the stage of their disease and other factors. And although fenbendazole is an effective parasitic treatment, it hasn’t been proven to cure cancer. In fact, the nonprofit organization Cancer Research UK tells Full Fact that there isn’t enough evidence to support Tippens’ claim that fenbendazole can treat or cure cancer. It isn’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cancer, so people should always consult with their doctor before taking any unapproved drugs. fenben for cancer