Some Facebook posts and TikTok videos have claimed that a dog dewormer can cure cancer in humans. This is false, according to the federal cancer agency. The dewormer, fenbendazole, is not approved to treat human cancer, but it may have potential as an alternative to chemotherapy and radiation, according to recent research.
When you’re dealing with a deadly disease like cancer, you might be willing to try anything that will save your life. That’s why so many people are looking beyond the FDA-approved treatments for their pets and themselves. One such treatment, known as the Joe Tippens protocol, has the attention of pet owners and cancer researchers alike. It consists of a regimen of supplements including fenbendazole, CBD oil, turmeric (turmeric), and vitamin E.
The fenbendazole is a parasite medication that treats parasitic diseases in both dogs and cats. It works by interrupting the growth of cells and preventing them from multiplying. It also kills parasitic worms and protozoa. It has little effect on healthy cells and is generally considered safe for use in animals, including humans.
Fenbendazole’s toxicity is relatively low, especially when compared to standard anticancer drugs. Its minimal impact on cellular microtubules makes it a viable alternative to other cancer medicines that disrupt these structures, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids. The latter can cause the patient’s body to develop resistance over time.
While it’s true that some cancer treatments are only effective in certain breeds of dogs, veterinary oncologists point out that genetics plays a huge role in whether or not an animal will develop the conditions that make it susceptible to cancer. This is why they are so interested in the recent success of CAR T cell immunotherapy, a treatment that is engineered to target and destroy mutated cancer cells while leaving healthy ones alone.
This therapy is most effective in lymphoma, leukemia, and a type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma, which affects both children and large dog breeds such as golden retrievers and Boston terriers. The new treatment combines a patients own T cells with chimeric antigen receptors, which helps them to find cancerous cells and target them for destruction without harming healthy cells.
Veterinarians are also studying how fenbendazole, which is only available in a pill form, could be used to treat a variety of cancers and other diseases in animals. It would have to undergo the same rigorous testing that any other veterinary drug under consideration for full approval in humans before it would be approved.
For pet owners, the warning signs of cancer are similar to those of humans: lumps and bumps, difficulty swallowing, wounds that won’t heal, a change in eating habits, and a general sluggishness or unexplained weight loss. If you notice any of these changes in your pet, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible. He or she can provide more information on the specific symptoms of cancer in your pet and help you make a decision on how to proceed. dog dewormer for cancer
